Chamaecyparis thyoides (thyoides - citrus-like, Chamaecyparis - low growing cypress) Atlantic white cedar

by Ron Wik, Nursery Business Director

Zone:  4-9

Soil:  Moist to wet, acidic

Native: Coastal regions from Mississippi to Maine

Habitat:  Freshwater swamps and bogs

Height:  20-40 feet

Spread:  6-15 feet

Habit:  Slender conical shape when immature, turning into a graceful crown devoid of branches for most of its length at maturity.

Bark:  Beautifully ridged, ashy grey, irregularly fluted

Foliage:  Finely textured blue-green

Pests:  None

This seldom used coastal native has tremendous landscape value for its form, texture and adaptability.  It is best suited to moist/wet areas but also performs well in typical garden situations.   Quite fast growing when immature adding 2-3’ annually if irrigated and fertilized, the rate slows as it matures.  The trunks are wide, fluted and covered in shaggy grey bark.  The rot-resistant heartwood, commonly used as cedar shakes, led to its overharvesting, leaving few mature trees in the wild. 

It is very useful as a screen, critter habitat, focal point in a garden, or as a substitute for most any upright Asian conifers.  There are many selections and cultivars available offering various foliage color (ranging from blue to yellow-green) and habit.  Some dwarf variants grow no more than 2-3’ in 20 years.  Limb breakage can be a concern in areas prone to substantial snow accumulation, but can be prevented with proper pruning.  Those available at Nasami Farm are cutting-propagated of wild-type Massachusetts provenance. Chamaecyparis thyoides is great addition to any garden.