Trees diurnal

Alaska yellow cedar

Callitropsis nootkatensis

A long-lived icon of the Pacific coast, the Alaska yellow cedar is easily recognized by its graceful, weeping branches and silver-gray bark. This ancient survivor thrives in the mist and snow, providing a sturdy sanctuary for backyard wildlife.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Typically 60 to 130 feet (18 to 40 meters) tall with a trunk diameter of 1 to 4 feet (0.3 to 1.2 meters); exceptional specimens can reach 175 feet (53 meters).

palette

Colors

Foliage is a dull bluish-green to grayish-green; bark is silvery-gray to light brown, peeling in long, thin vertical strips. Heartwood is a distinct bright sulfur-yellow.

visibility

Key Features

Distinctive drooping or 'weeping' secondary branches
Flat, fern-like leaf sprays with sharp-pointed scales
Small, round cones (1/2 inch) with 4-6 scales tipped with a small point
Fibrous, shredding bark that can be pulled off in long ribbons

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM (Optimal light for foliage photography and photosynthesis activity)

calendar_month

Season Year-round

restaurant

Diet As a primary producer, this tree creates its own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils but is uniquely adapted to survive in nutrient-poor, acidic bogs where other trees cannot compete.

park

Habitat Primarily found in cool, humid coastal forests and subalpine regions, ranging from sea level in Alaska to high-elevation 'fog belts' in Oregon and California.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

The Alaska yellow cedar is a master of survival in the cool, moist climates of the Pacific Northwest. Unlike many other conifers that grow rigid branches to reach for sunlight, this species is characterized by its 'pendulous' habit. Its secondary branches hang vertically from the main limbs, a brilliant structural adaptation that allows heavy coastal snow to slide off easily without snapping the branches. This gives the tree a perpetually wilted or weeping appearance that is easy to spot from a distance.

These trees are incredibly slow-growing and are among the longest-lived organisms in North America, with some individuals verified at over 1,200 years old. In the wild, they often grow in mixed stands but can become the dominant species in high-altitude subalpine zones. Because their wood contains unique natural oils that are toxic to fungi and insects, Alaska yellow cedars are remarkably resistant to decay. Even after a tree dies, it may remain standing as a 'snag' for a century, providing critical habitat for cavity-nesting birds and small mammals.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

Capturing the essence of an Alaska yellow cedar on a trail camera requires a focus on its unique architectural form. To highlight the signature 'weeping' branches, mount your camera 6 to 8 feet high on a nearby tree and angle it slightly upward. This perspective emphasizes the way the foliage drapes against the sky, which is the most reliable way to identify the species on camera. Because the foliage is a deep, matte green, it can often look like a dark mass in low light; try to position the camera so the tree is back-lit by the morning sun to make the edges of the leaf sprays pop.

If you are looking to capture wildlife interactions, place your camera near the base of an older Alaska yellow cedar. The fibrous, shredding bark is a favorite nesting material for squirrels and birds, and you will often catch them actively 'harvesting' the strips. Furthermore, because these trees often grow in snowy climates, the dense canopy creates a 'snow shadow'—a patch of dry ground at the base of the trunk. During winter months, point your camera at this dry patch to capture deer, elk, or smaller mammals using the tree as a natural umbrella for resting.

For those with advanced camera settings, time-lapse is the best way to showcase the 'life' of this tree. While the trunk is stationary, the pendulous branches are incredibly sensitive to wind. Setting a 5-second interval during a windy day creates a mesmerizing video of the tree swaying like a liquid. In the spring, you can also aim your camera at the tips of the branches to capture the development of the small, globose cones, which change from a dusty green to a hard, woody brown over a two-year cycle.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Alaska yellow cedar.

Western redcedar

Western redcedar has flat, horizontal branch sprays and small 'rosebud' shaped cones, unlike the drooping branches and round cones of the yellow cedar.

Western hemlock

Western hemlock also has a drooping top (leader), but it features short, flat needles rather than the scale-like leaves found on the Alaska yellow cedar.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a tree, the Alaska yellow cedar is biologically 'active' during daylight hours when it performs photosynthesis. From a photography perspective, it is most visually striking during the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset when the light catches its shredding, silver bark.

These trees require cool, moist conditions and acidic soil. If you live in a suitable climate (USDA zones 4-7), you can plant nursery-grown saplings. They prefer a spot with partial shade and plenty of water, especially during their first few years of establishment.

Alaska yellow cedars don't 'eat' in the traditional sense; they absorb water and minerals through their roots and produce sugars in their leaves using sunlight. They are particularly good at absorbing nutrients from damp, boggy soils where other trees might struggle to grow.

While their native range is the wild coastal forest, weeping varieties of Alaska yellow cedar are very popular in suburban landscaping due to their elegant, drooping shape and relatively slow growth rate which makes them easy to manage.

Look at the tips of the leaves and the branches. Alaska yellow cedar has 'weeping' branches that hang straight down and leaves that feel prickly when rubbed, whereas Western redcedar has flatter, more horizontal branches and scales that are smooth to the touch with visible 'butterfly' patterns on the underside.

Record Alaska yellow cedar at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo