White Cedar is easily recognized by its small, flat, scale-like leaves that are tightly bond to the twigs. Small cones are often present. When crushed, the needles will produce an aromatic cedar smell.

Cedar is called "deer candy" and is favorite browse for deer. Burned twigs were used as incense in religious ceremonies and as a disinfectant to fumigate a house for smallpox; a cedar compound containing charcoal was pricked into the temples with needles for headaches; a compound containing leaves was used as a cough syrup; and the leaves were used in an infusion of decoction for headaches, coughs, and as a blood purifier. Northern white cedar was also very important as a utility wood, and its branches used for temporary bedding.