The leaf is a scale-like needle 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and is arranged to make the small branches flat. The light green leaves have a pleasant, aromatic odor when crushed.
The branches and twigs are flattened or fan-shaped because of the
arrangement of the scale-ike needles.
The cones are oblong, 1/2 inch long, yellowish brown and borne singly
or in large clusters at the ends of the branches.
The bark is thin and gray to reddish brown. It separates into long,
vertical, narrow shreddy strips. The northern white cedar grows 40 to 70 feet
tall. The roots are shallow and spreading, often protruding above the ground.
The wood is pale brown in color, durable, light and soft. It is used for making
canoes, fence posts, railroad ties, telephone poles and shingles.
[Tree Identification Homepage] - [ISUForestry Extension] - [ISU Extension]