Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)

Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar) is a dense columnar evergreen conifer with short, ascending branches and attractive sprays of soft blue-green needle-like juvenile leaves and scale-like adult leaves. It bears an abundance of tiny cones at the branch tips. The light reddish brown bark is fibrous with intersected flat ridges. Both bark and foliage are aromatic.

Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar) is a dense columnar evergreen conifer with short, ascending branches and attractive sprays of soft blue-green needle-like juvenile leaves and scale-like adult leaves. It bears an abundance of tiny cones at the branch tips. The light reddish brown bark is fibrous with intersected flat ridges. Both bark and foliage are aromatic. Native to freshwater swamps along a narrow coastal band from southern Maine to northern Florida and west to southern Mississippi, Atlantic White Cedar is a pleasure to look at year-round. Relatively free of serious disease or pest issues, it is not susceptible to apple-cedar rust. This stately selection makes an excellent specimen conifer for wet areas with poor drainage along ponds, streams or boggy sites. 

  • Grows up to 30-50 ft. high (9-15 m) and 12-15 ft. wide (3.6-4.5 m). Adds 24 in. per year (60 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Prefers sandy, peaty, moist to wet soil in full sun. Tolerates some wet soils. Shelter from strong winds.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, no pruning required.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for juniper blight, root rot.
  • Propagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed germination is usually low.
  • Native to the eastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressus – Cypresses, Chamaecyparis – False Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 30'
– 50'
(9m
– 15m)
Spread 12'
– 15'
(3.6m
– 4.5m)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow