Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Plantae>Coniferophyta>Pinopsida>Pinales>Cupressaceae>Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) B.S.P.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Atlantic Whitecedar is a medium to large juniper-like tree of wetlands in Coastal Plain of North Carolina.

The fleshy unripe cones are larger and knobbier than the smooth cones of Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) tree

Alligator River NWR, Dare Co., NC 11/1/05.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) leaves

The leaves are the sole food source for larvae of the rare Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly (Callophrys hesseli).

Moore Co., NC 6/18/05.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) cones

Atlantic Whitecedar can usually be quickly told apart from Eastern Redcedar by habitat - E. Redcedar prefers drier areas. However the Southern Redcedar (J. silicicola), found along the immediate coast, does grow in marshes.

Moore Co., NC 6/18/05.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) cones

Mature cones.

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) cone

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) cones

Scotland Co, NC 11/1/08.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) bark

Bark of a small tree.

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) bark

Bark of a small tree. The ridges of the bark usually have a slight spiral.

Moore Co., NC 6/18/05.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) bark

Bark of a large tree. Unlike E. Redcedar, the bark does not shred off in long, thin, fibrous strips.

Moore Co., NC 6/18/05.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) bark

Scotland Co, NC 11/1/08.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) tree

Small trees have a tight columnar shape.

Moore Co., NC 3/14/07.

Atlantic Whitecedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) tree

Bladen Co., NC 3/25/07.

Similar species:
Juniperus silicicola (Southern Redcedar)
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar)

More information:
Gymnosperm Database
NC State - Trees of the Maritime Forest
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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