Plant · GBIF taxon 2683871
Atlantic white cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoidesAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPinales
- FamilyCupressaceae
- GenusChamaecyparis
- SpeciesChamaecyparis thyoides
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Wetland Companion (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · cc-by
Wetland Companion (c) Patty Mitchum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patty Mitchum · cc-by
Forest Companion no rights reserved, uploaded by mefisher · cc0
Close Relative (c) John Rusk, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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