Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2683871

Atlantic White Cedar

Chamaecyparis thyoides

Also known as Coast White Cedar, Southern White Cedar, Atlantic White-Cedar, White Cedar

Atlantic white cedar shapes dense, quiet wetland forests across the Atlantic coastal plain, where its aromatic, rot-resistant wood endures in permanently saturated soils. Flat, fan-like sprays of tiny scalelike leaves give off a light resinous scent and bear small spherical woody cones each autumn. These swamp stands filter coastal groundwater and provide crucial sheltered winter habitat for forest birds and mammals.

EvergreenWetland TreeConifer
Atlantic White Cedar reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Beaver
  • Cypress Tip Borer
ThreatsWetland drainage, coastal development, sea level rise, fire suppression
HabitatsAcidic freshwater swamps, peat bogs, blackwater stream margins
Life span200–1,000 years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyCupressaceae
  3. GenusChamaecyparis
  4. SpeciesChamaecyparis thyoides
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by dense, narrow evergreen crowns dominating acidic blackwater swamps and peat bogs along the Atlantic coast.
Support conservation
Observe from established trails and boardwalks to avoid trampling sensitive wetland soils and vulnerable seedlings.
Responsible observation
  • Habitat Spotting: Look for dense, uniform stands growing directly in water-logged peat soils or blackwater swamps.
  • Bark and Foliage: Examine the flattened, fan-shaped sprays of scalelike leaves and stringy, reddish-brown bark.
  • Conservation Etiquette: Stick to elevated boardwalks when visiting cedar swamps to protect fragile peat soils and root systems.
Related species
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