Chamaecyparis thyoides

Common Names

Atlantic White Cedar, White Cedar, Southern White Cedar, Swamp Cedar, White Cypress, False Cypress, Coast White Cedar

Summary

Atlantic white cedar is an evergreen conifer native to freshwater swamps and bogs along the eastern United States, from southern Maine to northern Florida and west to southern Mississippi. It grows as a large, upright tree with a slender columnar to conical crown, blue-green scale-like foliage with an aromatic scent, and reddish-brown bark that is fibrous and peels in strips; seed cones are small.

It prefers moist to wet, highly acidic soils and sun to light shade, tolerating standing water but with wind-vulnerability due to shallow roots on saturated sites. Fire is essential for regeneration in native swamps. Propagation is by seed or cuttings, and there are ornamental cultivars for wet sites. Wood is lightweight, decay-resistant, and used for shingles, poles, boat-building, and fencing; the tree also provides wildlife habitat and is valued in landscape plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-60 ft

Spread

10-25 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4–9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist to wet, acidic soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

3.5-5.5, Acid to Neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Moderate growth, about 0.3–0.5 m/year (12–18 inches/year) under good conditions, slower in swamp habitats.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds