Silvlcal Characteristics of Alaska-cedar 



This species, occurring only as a minor part of the stands of Alaska, 

 has not yet been studied. What is now known about it is roughly sum- 

 marized below. As it will be the only cedar component of the stands 

 in the Juneau and Sitka units, its reproduction and growth habits must 

 be studied. 



Alaska-cedar is a Pacific coast species that ranges from a few isolated 

 spots in northern California north to a latitude of 61? N. in Prince 

 William Sound in the Gulf of Alaska. It is confined to cool, humid 

 climates and is thus found only at high elevations in the southern part 

 of its range. Progressing northward, its lower elevational limit grad- 

 ually descends until it reaches tide water at about 51° north latitude 

 just north of Vancouver Island. In much of its range in Alaska this 

 species occurs from sea level to timberline. 



Alaska-cedar apparently can grow on extremely poor soils if there is 

 abundant soil moisture. It is found on heavy, wet azonal organic sub- 

 alpine soils, or muskegs, in half-bog soils, and lithosols. Its best 

 development in Alaska occurs at higher elevations near the upper limits 

 of merchantable timber on thin organic soils with plentiful ground 

 water. Alaska-cedar is rarely found on deeper well-drained soils, be- 

 cause on better sites it cannot compete with the more aggressive Sitka 

 spruce and western hemlock. 



In the northern portion of its range, Alaska-cedar cones mature in two 

 years. In the southern part of its range, and perhaps in certain races, 

 the cones may mature in one year. The seed ripens in late September 

 in Alaska and is dispersed during drier periods in the fall and early 

 winter. In Alaska some seed is produced nearly every year with moderate 

 to good crops every two to four years. The germinative capacity is 

 quite low, from 22 to 57 percent. Germination and seedling growth is 

 best on mineral soils, damp moss, and muck. 



Alaska-cedar is a slow-growing, long-lived tree capable of growing to 

 ages of over 3,000 years. It is believed to be less tolerant than 

 western redcedar and western hemlock. 



The volume of Alaska-cedar in Alaska, occurring mainly in mixture with 

 other species, is estimated to be 2 billion board feet. The wood is 

 durable and decay-resistant. It is highly prized for boat building. 

 The fine uniform texture, excellent machinability , and good finishing 

 properties of Alaska-cedar make it a suitable wood for interior finish 

 and turned products. 



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