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Nootka cypress tree1/23/2024 ![]() This species goes by many common names including: Nootka cypress, yellow cypress, Alaska cypress, Nootka cedar, yellow cedar, Alaska cedar, and Alaska yellow cedar. Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), is a species of tree in the cypress family native to the coastal regions of northwestern North America. Xanthocyparis nootkatensis (D.Don) Farjon & D.K.HarderĬallitropsis nootkatensis, formerly known as Cupressus nootkatensis ( syn.Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D.Don) Spach.Callitropsis nootkatensis (D.Don) Oerst.Recent reclassifications have moved it from Chamaecyparis to a newly created genus named Xanthocyparis, and then to Callitropsis, and finally back into Cupressus. Alaskan Yellow Cedar was initially placed in the Cupressus genus, and later in the Chamaecyparis genus (where it had remained for roughly 160 years). ![]() ![]() But the genus of the tree has been less clearly defined-it’s perhaps one of the woods with the most often-changed and reclassified botanical name. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.Ĭommon Uses: Carving, boatbuilding, siding, flooring, decking, outdoor furniture, musical instruments (flutes, soundboards on guitars), boxes and chests, and various utility/construction applications.Ĭomments: Alaskan Yellow Cedar has more or less always had the species label nootkatensis (so named for the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Canada). Expect prices to be high for a domestic species, particularly for clear pieces free of knots. Pricing/Availability: Supply of this wood is limited. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. Odor: Alaskan Yellow Cedar has a distinct scent that is similar to raw potatoes.Īllergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Alaskan Yellow Cedar has been reported to cause skin irritation. ![]() Workability: Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though pieces with wavy grain may produce tearout during planing. Rot Resistance: Reported to be durable to very durable regarding decay resistance, and also resistant to most insect attacks. Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, though sometimes wavy, with a uniform medium to fine texture.Įndgrain: Resin canals absent earlywood to latewood transition gradual, color contrast medium tracheid diameter small to medium. Color tends to darken with age upon exposure to light, (though when left exposed outdoors it weathers to a uniform gray). Sapwood is a similar whitish/pale yellow and isn’t distinct from the heartwood. Shrinkage: Radial: 2.8%, Tangential: 6.0%, Volumetric: 9.2%, T/R Ratio: 2.1Ĭolor/Appearance: Heartwood is a light yellow. ![]() *This species has undergone many reclassifications, see note in commentsĭistribution: Northwest coast of North America Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis)Ĭommon Name(s): Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Nootka Cypress ![]()
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