Cedar, Atlantic White

Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Atlantic white cedar is an evergreen tree of freshwater swamps and bogs along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain. Fine blue-green foliage and a conical crown provide year-round structure where the ground stays moist and acidic.

Key Characteristics

A close relationship with Hessel's hairstreak
The foliage is a larval food source for Hessel's hairstreak butterfly, a specialist associated with Atlantic white cedar habitat. Evergreen branches also provide shelter during winter and severe weather. The butterfly depends on suitable habitat and a local population, so planting a tree does not guarantee a visit.

Part of a distinctive wetland community
In its native forests, white cedar grows with plants such as red maple, blackgum and sweetbay magnolia. It is useful for moist naturalistic plantings and pond margins where an ordinary dry-site conifer would struggle. Give this full-sized tree space rather than placing it in a small foundation bed.

A wood with a long working history
Its light, straight-grained, decay-resistant wood has been used for boats, shingles and posts. That useful timber also contributed to heavy historic cutting, making the conservation and restoration of remaining cedar swamps important.

Product Details

• Native range of species: Eastern United States.
• Growth: Evergreen conifer
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist to wet, acidic and rich in organic matter
• Mature height: Approximately 60–80 feet
• Reproduction: Small pollen cones in spring; seed cones mature brown
• Hardiness: Zones 3–9

Protect young trees from deer, which may browse the foliage in winter. This wetland species needs dependable moisture during establishment and is poorly matched to a dry, exposed site.