FNPS Plant Database
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Atlantic white cedar
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Nomenclature
Common Name:
Atlantic white cedar
Synonym(s):
Genus species:
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Family:
Cupressaceae
Plant Specifics
Form:
tree
Size:
20-40 (60) ft tall by 10-20 ft wide
Life Span:
long-lived perennial; lifespan >100 years (Nelson)
Flower Color:
Fruit Color:
Phenology:
evergreen
Noted For:
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Specimen tree especially for moist sites.
Considerations:
Availability:
Propagation:
seed and softwood cuttings
Light:
Moisture Tolerance:
Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry
Stays wet ---to--- Somewhat moist, no flooding
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).
Soil or Other Substrate:
Organic (muck), Sand
Soil pH:
acidic
Suitable to Grow In:
8A, 8B, 9A, 9B
USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Ecology
Wildlife:
Provides cover for birds and mammals.
Attracts deer and squirrels. Deer browse can be so intense as to limit survival of saplings.
Native Habitats:
Forested seepage areas, swamps, low stream banks
Natural Range in Florida:
Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants
Comments:
Ethnobotany:
Wood was used for log cabins, floors and shingles.
General Comments:
The natural distribution in Florida is predominantly related to soil and drainage conditions. If you provide them, it should grow successfully from Lake County northward.
