THUJA OCCIDENTALIS
Western tree of life (max. 15 m)
A slightly conical, evergreen conifer. The trunk is not as strong as that of the giant tree and the bark is reddish brown, flaking in long strips. Leaves have a resin scent and form flat screens. The scaly needles are 2 to 3 mm long, green upper side and lighter lower side without silver-grey spots. Male catkins reddish, female cones ripening from green to brown, 10 to 20 mm long with 8 to 10 leafy, overlapping cone scales. Belongs to the North American mountain regions. Extensively planted as an ornamental tree in Europe; several cultivars.
The trunk tends to split, as if struck by lightning. The wood is fragile, weak and soft and the lifespan of the tree is not long. The wood is used for coffins.