85 



WHITE CEDAR. 



Chamaecyparis thyoides, (Linnaeus) BSP. 



GENUS DESCRIPTION — This genus comprises about 6 species in the world, of which number 3 

 are native to North America. Of the 3 species native to North America 2 are found in the western 

 part, while only 1 is found in the eastern part. The latter is native to a small portion of Penn- 

 sylvania. The Cedars are not very well known as forest trees, but are planted extensively in this 

 country and abroad for ornamental purposes. The lumberman is just beginning to appreciate the 

 value of the wood which is obtained from the western species. 



FORM — A small tree usually attaining a height of 30-50 ft. with a diameter of 1-2 ft., but may 

 reach a height of 90 ft. with a diameter of 4 ft. Trunk straight, continuous, tapering, and bears 

 slender horizontally spreading branches which form a narrow, pointed, conical crown. 



BARK — Rather thin, reddish -brown, somewhat furrowed, peels off into long, fibrous, film-like 

 scales. 



TWIGS — Rather slender, somewhat flattened, at first bluish-green, later after the leaves have 

 fallen they become roundish and reddish-brown. The terminal twigs are often arranged in fan- 

 like clusters. 



BUDS — Very small and inconspicuous, usually covered by the closely overlapping scale-like 

 leaves. 



LEAVES — Small, ovate, sharp-pointed, bluish-green, closely overlapping, scale-like, 4-ranked 

 but presenting a compressed appearance. Often spreading and awl-shaped on vigorous shoots. 

 A conspicuous but rather small glandular dot is often found on the back. 



LEAF-SCARS — Not present because leaves persist for 4 or more years; then die and dry up 

 upon the branches. 



FLOWERS — Appear in March or April. Staminate flowers oblong, about i of an inch long, 

 with 10-12 stamens on shield-shaped filaments. Pistillate flowers globular, about 1/10 of an inch 

 in diameter, with about six shield-shaped scales each usually bearing 2 ovules. 



FRUIT — A small globose cone which is rather common but inconspicuous, about i of an inch 

 in diameter and maturing at the end of the first season. Scales of cone shield-shaped and 

 joined to axis of cone by stalk. Outer face of scale is marked by a slight projection. Bach 

 fertile scale bears 1 or 2 fertile winged seeds. 



WOOD — Non-porous; light, soft, not strong, very durable, slightly fragrant, light brown 

 tinged with red; sapwood pale. Weighs 20.70 lbs. per cubic foot. Used in cooperage and boat 

 building, for fence posts, railroad ties, shingles, and woodenware. 



DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS— The White Cedar, also known as Cedar and Coast 

 White Cedar, can be distinguished by its characteristic globose fruit with shield-shaped scales 

 which are fastened to the main axis by means of |>iort stalks. It somewhat resembles the Arbor 

 Vitae but the former has less flattened and less distinctly fan-shaped twigs. The twigs of the 

 White Cedar are not so stout as those of the Arbor Vitae. The former also has bluish-green 

 leaves while the latter has yellowish-green. It can be distinguished from the Red Cedar and the 

 Common Juniper by its more prominent glandular dots on the leaves and its round twigs; the 

 twigs of the latter species are 3 to 4-sided. It also lacks the awl-shaped leaves found on the 

 Common Juniper and usually found on the Red Cedar. 



RANGE — Cape Breton Island southward along coast region to Florida and Mississippi. 



DISTRIBUTION IN PENNSYLVANIA — Native only to a few counties in the southeastern part 

 of the State, but found as an ornamental tree in practically every part of the State. 



HABITAT — Prefers swamps and marshes but will grow in dry locations. Occupies many swamps 

 to the exclusion of other tree species. In the south it is often found in the swamps with the Bald 

 Cypress and in the north with Arbor Vitae, Fir, and Spruce. 



IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIES— This species is so limited in its distribution in Pennsylvania 

 and the wood of so little commercial importance that it cannot be recommended for forestry pur- 

 poses. It may be recommended for very swampy locations where other more valuable species will 

 not grow, and deserves to be planted extensively for ornamental purposes since it is one of the 

 most beautiful coniferous trees of eastern North America on account of its attractive form and 

 beautiful foliage. More than a dozen varieties of it are known. 



