Discover the elegance and ecological value of Chamaecyparis thyoides, commonly known as Atlantic Cedar. This native evergreen is prized for its dense, finely textured blue-green foliage, which retains its beauty throughout the year. Typically found in wet, swampy areas, Atlantic Cedar is a valuable addition to landscapes seeking to enhance both aesthetic appeal and ecological diversity.

Why Choose Atlantic Cedar?

• Year-Round Interest: The dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round texture and color, creating a strong visual impact in any landscape.
• Moisture-Loving Tree: Thrives in wet, boggy soils, making it ideal for wetland restoration projects, rain gardens, and areas with poor drainage.
• Wildlife Habitat: Atlantic White Cedar provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this tree requires little care and is relatively tolerant of a range of conditions, including drought once mature.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sunlight promotes denser growth and better form.
• Soil Requirements: Grows best in consistently moist to wet, acidic soils but can adapt to average garden soils if watered regularly.
• Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in the first few years. Ideal for low-lying, water-retentive areas where drainage is poor.
• Spacing: Plant 10-15 feet apart for windbreaks or privacy screens. As a specimen tree, allow plenty of room for its natural conical shape to develop.

Landscape Design Ideas

Atlantic Cedar is perfect for naturalizing wetland areas, forming privacy screens, or serving as a windbreak in larger landscapes. Its tall, upright growth habit and dense foliage make it ideal for creating visual barriers or providing structure in rain gardens. Pair it with other moisture-loving native plants like Swamp Milkweed, Winterberry Holly, or Cardinal Flower to create a biodiverse, wildlife-friendly landscape.

Environmental Impact

By planting Chamaecyparis thyoides, you contribute to wetland conservation and enhance local ecosystems by providing habitat for wildlife. Atlantic Cedar also helps stabilize soil in boggy areas, reducing erosion and improving water quality in wetlands and along streams or ponds.

Add Atlantic Cedar to your landscape for its year-round beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits. This versatile native evergreen is a great choice for gardeners looking to enhance wetland areas, support wildlife, or create stunning privacy screens.