Pacific Northwest, BC to N. Calif.
"Alaska-cedar is of minor importance to livestock and wildlife as browse. When densities of black-tailed deer are high, Alaska-cedar is browsed . The Alaskan brown bear girdles the upslope side of the tree in the spring to feed on the phloem, which is high in sucrose...
Alaska-cedar as a component of old-growth forests can provide critical thermal and hiding cover for large ungulates and small mammals." [1]
"Native Americans used Alaska-cedar wood to produce bows, masks, bowls, and dishes. The roots were split and used for the framework of baskets and hats.
Alaska-cedar is grown as an ornamental in North America and Europe." [1]
"Alaska-cedar commands a high price for stumpage due to its fine texture, straight grain, durability, freedom from splitting and checking, resistance to acid, and excellent milling qualities. The wood is used in window frames, doors, boat building, utility poles, marine pilings, cabinets, carving, and greenhouse construction .
Most of the harvested wood is exported to Japan where, because of its similar bright yellow color, it is used as a substitute for the rare hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa).
The wood has an unusual and distinct "potato-like" odor." [1]
[1] Griffith, Randy Scott. 1992. In: Fire Effects Information System,. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/calnoo/all.html.
