Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Scientific name: Cupressus nootkatensis
Overview
Alaskan Yellow Cedar, also known as Nootka Cypress or Alaska Cedar, is a highly valued conifer native to the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest. Despite its common name, the species is not a true cedar but belongs to the cypress family.
The wood is prized for its exceptional durability, stability, and resistance to decay. It has a pale yellow to golden color and a fine, even texture that makes it attractive for both structural and decorative woodworking.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar has long been used by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for carving, boat building, and construction. Today it remains an important specialty wood used in outdoor applications and fine woodworking.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Alaskan Yellow Cedar
- Scientific Name: Cupressus nootkatensis
- Region: North American Hardwoods (Pacific Northwest – Alaska, British Columbia, Washington)
- Tree Size: 60–120 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 31 lbs/ft³ (500 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 580 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to golden brown heartwood with narrow pale sapwood
- Grain: Generally straight
- Texture: Fine and uniform
Identification Characteristics
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is typically recognized by its pale yellow coloration and straight grain pattern. The wood has a relatively fine texture compared to many other conifers and often displays subtle growth ring patterns.
The heartwood ranges from light yellow to golden brown, while the sapwood is usually narrow and lighter in color.
The wood can develop a slightly richer golden tone as it ages.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to golden heartwood
- Narrow light-colored sapwood
- Straight grain pattern
- Fine texture
- Distinct aromatic scent
Working Properties
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is considered easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It cuts cleanly and holds detail well, which is one reason it has traditionally been used for carving.
The wood glues and finishes well and offers excellent dimensional stability.
- Machines easily
- Excellent for carving
- Turns well on the lathe
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Very stable when dried properly
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard dust protection should be used when machining or sanding the wood.
Common Uses
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is widely used for applications where durability and weather resistance are important.
Common uses include
- Boat building
- Decking
- Exterior siding
- Outdoor furniture
- Carving and sculpture
- Shingles
- Specialty woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Alaskan Yellow Cedar grows primarily in the cool, wet forests of the Pacific Northwest and coastal Alaska. The species grows relatively slowly and is considered a valuable specialty timber.
In recent decades, some populations have experienced decline due to climate-related changes affecting soil freezing patterns. Sustainable forest management practices are now used to help protect remaining stands.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Western Red Cedar – Another rot-resistant conifer from the Pacific Northwest commonly used in outdoor construction.
Coast Redwood – Similar durability and outdoor performance, though typically lighter and softer.
Giant Sequoia – Related to redwood species and also valued for durability and dimensional stability, though generally lighter and softer.
Related Guides
Cedar Species Guide
Compare cedar species from around the world, including differences in appearance, durability, workability, natural resistance, and common woodworking uses.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Understanding how wood responds to humidity changes is essential for long-term durability.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors often preserve small samples of notable species such as Alaskan Yellow Cedar for identification and display.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is often collected for its distinctive pale yellow color and historical importance in Pacific Northwest woodworking. Small turning blanks and sample boards are common in collections because the wood represents one of the most durable softwoods native to North America.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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