The largest tree species in the Pacific Northwest and the longest-living!π²π« The Western Red Cedar, also called the Giant Arborvitae, towering up to 200 feet tall with trunk diameters exceeding 13 feet.π€― This ancient giant has stood the test of time, weathering storms, fires, and even volcanic eruptions.βοΈπ The largest Western Red Cedar ever recorded is the Cheewhat Giant in Canada, which measures a staggering 241 feet tall and over 20 feet in diameter, though much of it is now unalived. We stumbled upon this hidden tree in this video off the beaten path and we think it just might break the record or come pretty dang close!π Some of the largest Western Red Cedars weigh over 20,000 pounds, and their vast canopies create microclimates that shelter countless species of plants and animals. These trees play a vital role in the ecosystem, supporting lichens, mosses, and even amphibians that thrive in their moist, shaded environment.πΏ Their wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it one of the most durable materials for construction. Western Red Cedar trees produce a natural oil that acts as an antifungal and insect repellent, which is why their wood lasts for centuries!β»οΈ Known as the βTree of Life,β the Western Red Cedar was a cornerstone of survival for Indigenous peoples. Its bark was skillfully woven into mats, ropes, clothing, and even diapers, while its wood was used for longhouses, canoes, and totem poles. Medicinally, cedar leaves and bark were used to treat wounds, colds, and fevers. Tribes believed the cedar had a soul, and harvesting it was often accompanied by ceremonies of gratitude and reverence.β¨οΈ Standing in the shadow of this ancient giant, you can feel its story etched into the rings of time.β³οΈ
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