Thuja plicata 'Zebrina', golden western red cedar
1 / 4
Coniferous Trees

Thuja plicata 'Zebrina'

golden western red cedar

Cupressaceae

Cultivar selected in horticulture; species native to Pacific Northwest and coastal British Columbia, sea level to 7,000 feet (2,100 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height40–60 feet (12–18 m)
Width12–18 feet (3.7–5.5 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Thuja plicata 'Zebrina' is a large, pyramidal cultivar of western red cedar with cream-yellow to golden variegated foliage. Trees reach 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall and 12–18 feet (3.7–5.5 m) wide in cultivation; growth rate is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year — somewhat slower than the green species. The habit is broadly conical to pyramidal. Foliage consists of flat, fan-shaped sprays of overlapping scale-like leaves; the outer portions are cream-yellow to golden-yellow, the inner portions dark green, creating irregular alternating bands that give the cultivar its name (from the striped pattern). Foliage emits the same sweet, spicy aromatic scent as the species when crushed. The variegated pattern is most visible from a distance; the tree appears gold-tipped overall. Color intensity is highest in full sun. Bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, and peeling in strips.

Native Range

Thuja plicata is native to the Pacific Northwest and coastal British Columbia, from sea level to 7,000 feet (2,100 m). The cultivar 'Zebrina' was selected in horticulture. The species is native to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen and large-scale screen in parks, institutional grounds, and large residential properties, spaced 12–15 feet (3.7–4.6 m) from adjacent plants. Full sun maximizes the golden variegation. The cream-yellow to golden outer foliage provides contrast against dark green conifers in mixed plantings. Eventual height of 40–60 feet (12–18 m) limits use to sites with adequate vertical clearance.

How to Identify

Thuja plicata 'Zebrina' is identified by flat, fan-shaped sprays of scale-like foliage with cream-yellow to golden outer portions and dark green inner portions creating an irregular banded pattern, the sweet spicy aromatic scent when crushed, and the broadly conical form. Distinguished from green T. plicata cultivars by the cream-yellow variegation; distinguished from golden T. occidentalis cultivars by the much larger mature size, glossy texture, and sweet aromatic (not pineapple) scent.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread12' - 18'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown

Foliage Colors

cream
golden yellow
dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Male and female cones are on the same plant (monoecious). Male cones are tiny, dark red-brown, at shoot tips, releasing pollen in March–April. Female cones are small, 0.3–0.5 inch (8–12 mm), urn-shaped, ripening from green to brown in autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

dark red-brown (male cones)

Foliage Description

cream-yellow to golden-yellow outer portions, dark green inner portions

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15–30 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees are moderately drought tolerant once rooted in Pacific Northwest conditions, though best growth occurs with consistent moisture. Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils. Golden variegation is most intense in full sun; shade reduces the cream-yellow color significantly, shifting foliage toward predominantly green. Grows on both sides of the Cascades with adequate moisture. Eventual height of 40–60 feet (12–18 m) requires siting with substantial clearance from structures and power lines.

Pruning

No pruning required for natural form. The broadly conical form develops naturally. Shear for formal hedges in late spring before growth hardens. Avoid cutting into old wood without live foliage. Remove dead branches at any time.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic