Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Chamaecyparis

Species:

Chamaecyparis thyoides

USDA Symbol:

CHTH2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar,apr

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Notes:

Atlantic White Cedar swamps historically burned infrequently; trees are killed by fire but stands may regenerate from seed bank.

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 — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination. Best results with fresh seed and cold-moist stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI