Coast white cedar, scientifically known as Chamaecyparis thyoides, is a type of evergreen tree that belongs to the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and is native to the eastern region of North America.
The coast white cedar is a medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 60-70 feet (18-21 meters) tall and has a narrow, conical shape. Its branches are densely covered with scale-like, flattened leaves that have a yellow-green color in the spring and summer, turning a reddish-brown or bronze hue in the fall before shedding. The tree's bark is reddish-brown and peels off in fibrous strips.
One of the distinguishing features of the coast white cedar is its durable, rot-resistant wood, which is lightweight, soft, and easily worked. This characteristic has made it a valuable timber tree for construction and boat-building in the past. The wood is typically light brown and has a distinct aromatic scent.
In its natural habitat, coast white cedar is found in wetlands, marshes, and along the coastal plain, where it thrives in saturated soils and can tolerate brackish water. It plays an essential role in stabilizing and conserving these ecosystems by reducing erosion and providing habitat for various wildlife species.
Due to habitat loss and overharvesting, the coast white cedar has become relatively rare in some areas. However, conservation efforts and reforestation projects have been implemented to protect and restore the populations of this ecologically important tree.
