Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

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

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

Evergreen. Lifespan >100 yrs (Nelson).

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen tree especially for moist sites.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Seed and softwood cuttings.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Stays wet ---to--- Somewhat moist, no flooding

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Organic

Soil pH:

Acidic

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Mammals

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:

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.