White Cedar

Chamaecyparis thyoides

Cupressaceae · coniferous tree · native

Last updated April 25, 2026

Quick Facts

Height

50 ft

Spread

30-40 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil

Wet Tolerant

Water

Low

Hardiness

Zone Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

Non-flowering

Origin

swampy areas along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida

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

'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.