Form: This is a medium-sized tree reaching 80-85 ft. in height with an average maximum dbh of 1-1.5 ft. It has a narrowly conical shape to the crown and develops shallow root systems making it susceptible to wind throw.

Needles:
             

Arrangement: N/A

Length: 2-3 mm

Shape: scale-like; blunt tipped

Other: dark blue-green in color with circular glands on the backside

 

Bark: It has thin reddish brown bark that becomes scaly and loose with age.

Cones: The fleshy cones are bluish purple in color and are only 4-9 mm in diameter.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the more blue tint to distinguish this species from northern white-cedar. The two species also have distinctly different ranges.

Range: This species is generally restricted to the coast line, but disjunct populations exist in central Georgia. It grows as far north as Maine, but is concentrated in eastern North Carolina and the panhandle of Florida.

Silvics: Atlantic white cedar is tolerant of shade and is restricted to wet, acidic soils with a high peat content

Ecological and cultural importance: The wood is rot resistant making it useful for shingles and boats. This species was also used to make charcoal for gunpowder during the Revolutionary War.