Atlantic White Cedar

(Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Chamaecyparis thyoides image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Chamaecyparis thyoides, commonly known as Atlantic White Cedar, is an evergreen coniferous tree native to coastal wetlands, swamps, and peat bogs of Eastern North America from Maine to Mississippi. It typically grows to 20–28 m (66–92 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of 0.8 m (2 ft 7 in), occasionally reaching up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in). The tree’s foliage consists of moderately flattened sprays that are green to glaucous blue-green, providing a fine-textured appearance. The lower three-fourths of the trunk is often bare, with the bark ranging from ash-gray to reddish-brown. Growth in height and diameter is steady until around 50 years of age, after which height growth slows.

Atlantic White Cedar is valued for its ornamental foliage and its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for planting in rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also used for screening and as a windbreak due to its dense foliage. The species is adapted to full sun or part shade and prefers acidic, sandy, and consistently moist soils. However, due to its shallow root system, it is susceptible to windthrow. Gardeners should be aware of its waterlogged habitat requirements to avoid drought stress. Additionally, it is relatively low maintenance but can suffer from pests like cypress tip moth and issues like cedar blight.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-50 feet
  • Width: 30-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Coastal wetlands, swamps, and peat bogs

Other Names

Common Names: Southern White Cedar, Whitecedar, Atlantic White Cypress, False-Cypress, Weiße Scheinzypresse, Weiße Zeder, Zederzypresse, Cedro Blanco, Faux-Cyprès Blanc, Mocsári Álciprus

Scientific Names: , Chamaecyparis thyoides, Chamaecyparis thyoides f. andelyensis, Chamaecyparis thyoides f. variegata, Chamaecyparis thyoides f. ericoides, Chamaecyparis thyoides f. glauca, Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea var. andelyensis, Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea var. glauca, Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea var. pendula, Cupressus ericoides

GBIF Accepted Name: Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.