Plant Data
Sheet
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Alaska-cedar
Range
Pacific coast mountain ranges from south central
Climate, elevation
Cool
wet climate. Shore line to tree line in
northern part of range. Only found at tree
line in the southern parts of range.
Local occurrence
West
slopes
Habitat preferences
Listed
as shade tolerant but this varies through range. More shade tolerant in southern parts of
range. Prefers deep
well-drained soil rich in calcium and magnesium. Can also be found on rocky
soils of the alpine above the limits of other conifers. The only conifer to survive
on sites with frequent avalanches.
Low frost resistance. In sites with low temperatures, needs heavy
snow pack to protect roots.
Plant strategy
type/successional stage
Successional
stage depends on site. Can be long-lived seral species or a climax species. Can be the dominant or
co-dominant over story species.
Associated species:
Western white pine, mountain hemlock, Pacific yew, noble fir, subalpine
fir, incense cedar,
May be collected as: (seed,
layered, divisions, etc.)
Seeds, layers, cuttings.
Collection restrictions or
guidelines
Good
seed crops are irregular, occurring at 4 year or longer intervals. Seed maturation time varies through
range. It is around September and
October. Mature and non-mature cones can
appear on the same branch. Mature cones
are yellow brown.
Seed germination
Germination
rates are low. Tetrazolium stain
recommended to test seed viability.
Two
recommendations for breaking dormancy:
1.)
Cold moist stratification for 90 days.
Germination will occur at 24C.
(Native Plant Network.)
2.)
Warm stratification at 68-86F for 30 days followed by moist
stratification at 40F for 30 days. (
Seed life
3-5
years in storage.
Recommended seed storage
conditions
Dry
seeds and store at 32F.
Propagation recommendations
Vegetative
propagation recommended for container stock.
Treat cuttings with indolebutyric acid and pot in greenhouse.
Soil or medium requirements
No
inoculum necessary.
Installation form
Container plant from cutting. Young tree
can be ready to plant one year after cutting taken.
Normal rate of growth or
spread; lifespan
Slow
growing. Can reach
100 feet tall and four feet diameter but id usually smaller. At tree line, often shrub like. Long lived.
Can live 3,500 years.
Sources cited
Young,
J. and Young, C. 1992. Seeds of Woody Plants of
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/chanoo/all.html
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/Volume_1/chamaecyparis/nootkatensis.htm
http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org/network/view.asp?protocol_id=1429
Data compiled by Katie McGowan