Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Atlantic White Cedar and Northern White-Cedar

Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) vs. Northern White-Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Updated March 30th, 2022

These two species only overlap in the wild in a small part of New England, but both are widely planted in landscaping. Both have scale-like foliage and seed cones that release wind-dispersed seeds. They can be easily told apart by their foliage as well as their seed cones; their bark is similar but has some differences. Not all trees can be distinguished by bark. Both prefer moist conditions, but Atlantic white cedar is more restricted to poorly-drained sites. Atlantic white cedar is limited to sites with acidic soils, whereas Northern White Cedar is most likely on more calcium-rich soils.

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collage of Atlantic White Cedar and Eastern Redcedar

Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) vs. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Updated September 1st, 2020

These two species are easily confused where their ranges overlap, especially on mature trees with scalelike foliage. The two can be told apart easily by closely examining their seed cones, and also by their bark. Young trees can be readily distinguished by their foliage. Redcedar is much more common and widely adaptable; it prefers drier sites. Atlantic white cedar is limited to acidic wetlands.

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