White Cedar

Chamaecyparis thyoides

Cupressaceae · coniferous tree · introduced

Last updated May 27, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

50 ft

Spread

30-40 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Size at 20 yr

20 ft

Lifespan

Long-lived

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Wet Tolerant

Soil pH

3.5-6.3

Water

Low

Drought Tolerance

Moderate

Hardiness

Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

Non-flowering

Origin

swampy areas along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida

View full calendar (5 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
New growth flush BBCH 11	Feb 15-Mar 15	Lighter-colored new growth visible at branch tips
Pollen release BBCH 61	Mar 15-May 15	Male strobili (pollen cones) shedding pollen; pollen visible as dust
Pollen shed complete BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 31	Pollen shedding has ended; male strobili browning and fading
Cone development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Small round cones visible and enlarging; cones initially greenish/glaucous, developing brown color
Cone maturity and seed shed BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Cones fully mature; peltate (shield-shaped) scales separating; seed dispersal may begin

Cultivars (2)

'Ericoides'

Common name: Ericoides White Cedar; Mature height: 5 ft

'Red Star'

Common name: Red Star White Cedar; Mature height: 25 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 5

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.