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. 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.

This evergreen conifer belongs to the Cupressaceae family, which includes well-known trees such as Italian Cypress, Leyland Cypress, Arizona Cypress, and Monterey Cypress, all valued for their distinctive forms, resilience, and ornamental appeal.

• 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.