Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Alaskan yellow cedar, also called yellow cedar, Alaska cedar, Nootka cypress or yellow cypress, is a conifer of the Pacific Northwest coast. Its scientific name has changed several times (Callitropsis, Cupressus or Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). Despite the common name it is a cypress, not a true cedar.

Range

The tree grows in coastal mountains from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska to the Klamath Mountains of northern California, including the Cascades, usually at higher elevations than western red cedar, and near the tree line it can grow as low, stunted krummholz.

Wood properties

Slow growth makes the wood relatively hard. It has a uniform colour, straight grain and good dimensional stability, and resists weather, insects and ground contact. It works easily with tools, holds nails well, resists splintering and wears smoothly. Anti-fungal compounds help the living tree reach a great age, although it is still susceptible to heart rot. Freshly cut wood has a bitter smell that fades once seasoned.

Roofing uses

Yellow cedar is used for shingles, shakes and siding, especially where a long-lived, uniform-coloured product is wanted. In historic preservation it is used as a substitute for western red cedar and bald cypress when suitable old-growth stock of those species is hard to find. Its high cost generally limits it to premium and finish work.

Supply concerns

Large-scale die-offs of yellow cedar linked to climate change have affected more than 7% of the species' range. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been reviewing whether to list it as threatened or endangered, which could affect future availability.