Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © chris_earle (iNaturalist #208876534)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Chamaecyparis
- Species:
- Chamaecyparis thyoides
- USDA Symbol:
- CHTH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2800 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Isoparce cupressi, 🛑Hessel's hairstreak (Mitoura hesseli)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; serotinous cones are not present, but regeneration can occur after fire in suitable wet sites.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- wet, peaty, nutrient-rich soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 5.5 (acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in bogs and swamps
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold, moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)