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Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)

Atlantic White Cedar, Atlantic White Cypress, Southern White Cedar, White Cedar, False-Cypress, Swamp Cedar, White Cypress, Chamaecyparis henryae, Chamaecyparis thyoides var. henryae, Cupressus thyoides, Cupressus thyoides ssp. henryae

Chamaecyparis thyoides, Atlantic White Cedar, Atlantic White Cypress, Southern White Cedar, Whitecedar, False-Cypress, Chamaecyparis henryae, Cupressus thyoides, Evergreen Tree

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 Cupressaceae
Genus Cupressus, Chamaecyparis
Common names White Cedar, Atlantic White Cedar, False-Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 30' - 50'
(9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cupressus x leylandii (Leyland Cypress)
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ (Nootka Cypress)
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Curly Tops’ (Sawara Cypress)
Chamaecyparis pisifera Soft Serve® Gold (Sawara Cypress)
Chamaecyparis pisifera Soft Serve® (Sawara Cypress)
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ (Nootka Cypress)
View All Our Cupressus

Recommended Companion Plants

Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)
Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea)
Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
37 Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
Cypress Tree: Popular Varieties and Growing Guide
Small Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Appeal
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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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 Cupressaceae
Genus Cupressus, Chamaecyparis
Common names White Cedar, Atlantic White Cedar, False-Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 30' - 50'
(9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cupressus (Cypress) Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)
Not sure which Cupressus (Cypress) to pick?
Compare Now

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