How to Grow Atlantic White Cedar

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Atlantic White Cedar

Chamaecyparis thyoides

tree

Atlantic White Cedar is a native conifer tree of the southeastern United States, prized for its fragrant, soft, feathery foliage and narrow, columnar growth habit. The tree produces small, round cones and reddish-brown, peeling bark that adds winter interest. It has been historically valuable for timber, essential oils, and ornamental landscaping.

Looking for a specific variety?

Glauca Ericoides Heatherbun Shattered Glass Little Jamie Top Point

When should you plant Atlantic White Cedar in your zone?

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Example Atlantic White Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Atlantic White Cedar
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Atlantic White Cedar
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Atlantic White Cedar dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to part shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and foliage density

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Water: Moderate to high moisture needs; prefers consistently moist to wet soils. Establish regular watering during the first 1-2 years. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant but performs best with supplemental watering during dry spells.

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Spacing: 120-240 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental/timber tree reaching mature size in 30-50 years

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Planting depth: Plant container stock at same depth as root ball; seeds benefit from 30-60 days cold stratification

Soil

Type: Moist, well-draining sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor, acidic soils and even boggy conditions

pH: 4.5-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost to increase moisture retention Sand for drainage improvement if in heavy clay Avoid lime; prefers acidic conditions

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-8, with best performance in zones 4b-9a

4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Nursery

1-2 years

Young plants are small with delicate, soft, feathery foliage that is bright green to blue-green in color

Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade for first season if possible. Protect from strong winds. Transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance.

Establishment

2-5 years

Tree begins to develop its characteristic narrow, columnar form with increasing height and branching

Water regularly, maintain consistent moisture. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches.

Growth/Juvenile

5-15 years

Tree rapidly increases in height and density, developing fuller foliage with improved color. Bark begins to show characteristic reddish-brown peeling

Continue regular watering during dry periods. Can begin light formative pruning to shape growth. Monitor for pests and diseases. Fertilize sparingly if in poor soil.

Maturation

15-50+ years

Tree reaches full height (40-50 feet), displays dense, attractive foliage, produces small round cones, and exhibits striking peeling bark

Minimal pruning needed except to remove dead wood or shape if desired. Maintain adequate moisture, especially during establishment. Tree becomes more wind-resistant and pest-hardy.

Decline/Senescence

50+ years

Very old trees may show reduced vigor, sparse interior foliage, and increased susceptibility to damage

Remove dead or diseased branches. Monitor for pest infestations. Trees can live 100+ years with proper care.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Swamp Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) Poison Ivy (for wildlife in natural settings) Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) Underplanting: shade-tolerant woodland plants like ferns and hostas

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Salt-tolerant trees in non-coastal areas (Atlantic White Cedar is salt-sensitive) Very dry-soil-loving plants (poor moisture compatibility)

Common Pests

Hand-pick bags in late fall/winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when larvae are young; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; neem oil in severe cases
Horticultural oil sprays during dormancy; insecticidal soap during growing season; prune heavily infested branches
Prune and destroy infested branch tips; insecticidal spray in spring when moths are active
Fencing or deer-repellent sprays if deer pressure is high in the area

Uses

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Essential Oil & Fragrance

Household

Atlantic White Cedar is rich in volatile oils, particularly alpha-cedrene and thujopsene, which give it a distinctive warm, woody, cedary scent. The foliage and wood have been historically distilled for essential oils used in perfumery, cleansers, and incense. [source]

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Dried Arrangements & Florals

Craft

The feathery, fine-textured foliage dries beautifully and holds its color well, making it prized for dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and decorative crafts. Branches are often used as greenery in both fresh and dried designs. [source]

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Timber & Historic Uses

Household

Historically, Atlantic White Cedar wood has been valued for its durability, light weight, and resistance to rot, used for shingles, boat building, and interior trim. Its decay resistance comes from natural wood oils and compounds. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Food

Wildlife

The dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for songbirds and small wildlife. Seeds and foliage support various bird species and insects, making it valuable in native plant restoration and wildlife gardens. [source]

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Landscape & Screening

Ornamental

Its narrow, columnar form, soft feathery texture, and attractive foliage color (often blue-green to golden, depending on cultivar) make it an excellent choice for formal hedges, windbreaks, privacy screens, and specimen plantings in residential and commercial landscapes. [source]

Harvest Tips

Atlantic White Cedar is not typically harvested in home gardens for commercial purposes. For foliage use (dried arrangements, essential oil): Cut branches in late fall/winter when oil concentration is highest. For seeds: Collect small round cones in fall; allow to dry and extract seeds. For timber (large-scale operation only): Trees require 30-50 years of growth before harvesting.

Fun Facts

🌱 Atlantic White Cedar wood is one of the most rot-resistant native American woods, remaining sound for decades when submerged, which made it historically invaluable for boat building and underwater pilings.
🌱 Despite its common name, Atlantic White Cedar is not a true cedar (genus Cedrus) but rather a false cypress (Chamaecyparis); 'white cedar' refers to the pale, light wood color rather than botanical classification.
🌱 The tree's fragrant volatile oils have been used in traditional medicine and folk remedies for centuries, and the scent can be released by simply brushing the foliage with your hand.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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