Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) is a native tree in Maryland (Evergreen). The sections below summarize where it grows, how to recognize it, and how it supports local ecosystems.
Habitat and range
Bogs, pocosins, and wet sandy pockets on the coastal plain; rare, localized stands in Maryland.
Identification
Scale-like evergreen foliage in flat sprays; small cones; narrow spire form in open stands.
Soil and moisture
Acidic, saturated to moist peat or sand; intolerant of drought and high pH.
Wildlife value
Dense cover for birds; wetland structure important for specialized plant and animal communities.
Uses and significance
Restoration of rare wetlands; rot-resistant lumber historically for shingles and boats.