Chamaecyparis thyoides aka Atlantic White Cypress

Taxonomy

Genus Chamaecyparis Family Cupressaceae Order Pinales Class Pinopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar, Atlantic white cypress, southern white cedar, whitecedar, or false-cypress) is a species of cupressaceae found from southern Maine to Georgia in North America and along the Gulf of Mexico coast from Florida to Mississippi. It exists as two geographically isolated subspecies, sometimes treated as distinct species in botany: Chamaecyparis thyoides thyoides and Chamaecyparis thyoides henryae (H.L.Li) E.Murray (syn. Chamaecyparis thyoides subsp. henryae (H.L.Li) Little; Chamaecyparis henryae H.L.Li). Atlantic white cedar grows almost exclusively in freshwater wetlands, preferring habitats with saturated, acid soil and an organic surface layer. It is found within 100 miles of the coastline and below 50 m above sea level along much of the East Coast and Gulf Coast, rare populations growing up to 460 m high in the Appalachian Mountains. Atlantic white cedar is protected in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Cod National Seashore, Croatan National Forest, Francis Marion National Forest, Ocala National Forest, and Apalachicola National Forest, though its popularity as a source of lumber has decreased due to its abundance in hard to reach areas. The tree is considered a globally threatened ecosystem and serves as an important carbon sink. It is listed as Rare in Georgia and New York, of Special Concern in Maine, and Extirpated in Pennsylvania.

Common names

Atlantic White Cypress, Atlantic White Cedar, White Cypress

How to care for Atlantic White Cypress

Difficulty

Caring for Atlantic White Cypress is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Atlantic White Cypress should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Atlantic White Cypress loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Atlantic White Cypress prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Atlantic White Cypress is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Atlantic White Cypress as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Atlantic White Cypress’s native range is Eastern N. America - Maine, south to Florida and west to Mississippi.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Chamaecyparis Genus

Chamaecyparis pisifera Sawara Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Port Orford Cedar

Chamaecyparis thyoides Atlantic White Cypress

Chamaecyparis formosensis Formosan Cypress