Locating the terminal bud of Western Redcedar, Thuja plicata

Like all members of the Cupressaceae, Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn. ) does not produce true resting buds. Furthermore, the primary shoot termin al is difficult to locate because it lacks bud scales, resembles the latera l shoot tips, and is often not the tallest part of the tree. Based on caref ul monitoring of Western Redcedar shoot development, it was determined that the terminal bud could be distinguished from lateral branches on the basis of a consecutive alternate branching pattern. This pattern provides a simp le, non-destructive technique for quick, reliable location of the terminal bud.