Thebeloved conifers: weeping Alaskan cedar

Other common names: Nootka cypress, sitka cypress, pacific yellow cedar. Found only on the Pacific coast of North America, Yellow Cedar is the hardest known cedar in the world. Prized by boat builders, it has exceptional resistance to weather and insects as well as easy workability. First used by the West Coast Indians for their historic Totem Poles and great war canoes, it is a rare and often difficult to find lumber species. Its durability and ease of tooling makes it readily adaptable for the construction and finishing of homes, schools, factories, churches, recreational centers and a variety of commercial and industrial uses. It grows in a band from Southern Alaska to Southern Oregon. It is one of the slowest growing trees in North America and includes trees that are 700-1200 years old. 50-60 annual rings per inch are not uncommon. This rare and exceptionally beautiful wood species seeks out high and adventurous sites and often grows to the tree line. It is a medium sized tree, with a thin bark. It is slow growing with high disease and decay resistance, as well as oils that make it very aromatic. It grows from Alaska south to Oregon with the largest areas of growth in British Columbia and SE Alaska.

General properties:

Moderately heavy wood, soft, fine textured, straight grained, easily worked and durable. It is rated as moderate in strength, stiffness, hardness and shock resistance.
Texture:Light yellow in color, straight grained, even, compact texture with its natural oils giving it a smooth wax like finish.
Strength:A strong wood with density equivalent to 29 lbs. per cubic foot at 12% moisture.
Durability:Resists weather, rot, termites and corrosion from acid solutions. Has 2 1/2 times the life expectancy of Douglas Fir in vats and flumes.
Fire Resistance:Takes almost twice as long to reach flame break-through as other softwoods.
Nail holding:Has excellent nail-holding ability.
Splintering:It does not splinter, making it ideal for stadium seats, playground equipment and deck railing.
Wearability:Dense and tough, it is highly resistant to wear. Excellent for bridges, decks, boats and paneling.
Workability:Easy to work with and holds glue well.