Alaska Yellow Cedar

Callitropsis nootkatensis

Alaska yellow-cedar is a long-lived conifer native to coastal and montane forests from northern California to Alaska. It is recognized for its drooping branches, scale-like evergreen foliage, and stringy, grayish bark. The wood is highly valued for its durability, fine grain, and resistance to decay, historically used by Indigenous peoples for carving, tools, and ceremonial items. Ecologically, Alaska yellow-cedar thrives in cool, moist environments, often at higher elevations or along wet coastal slopes where it provides habitat for wildlife and contributes to forest structure. The species is increasingly threatened by warming winters and reduced snowpack which expose its shallow roots to lethal soil freezing.