Discover the majestic Chamaecyparis thyoides, commonly known as Atlantic White Cedar or False Cypress. This remarkable evergreen conifer reaches heights of 40-80 feet with a conical form in its youth, transforming into a striking spire-like shape as it matures, often bare on the lower half. Its reddish-brown bark, featuring flat ridges, complements its aromatic foliage, known to release a ginger-like scent when crushed. With juvenile awl-like leaves and adult bluish-green, scale-like foliage, this tree provides year-round beauty, often turning violet-red in winter.
Native to the Eastern United States, Atlantic White Cedar thrives in moist, sandy, acidic soils and is well-suited to wet sites such as ponds, streams, and bogs. It serves as a perfect specimen plant, offering excellent privacy screening due to its dense, columnar form. Ideal for butterfly, pollinator, and rain gardens, this versatile tree is relatively low-maintenance, free from serious pests or diseases. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and makes an excellent choice for areas with poor drainage, enhancing the biodiversity of your landscape while providing wildlife cover.