Life History and Disturbance Response of Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)
Family: Cupressanceae
Guild: pioneer, moist site, shade tolerant
Functional Lifeform: medium sized evergreen tree
Ecological Role: The Atlantic white cedar is found along the Atlantic coastal plain. It usually grows on wet ground or in swamps. It usually occurs in pure stands.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 200/1000
Shade Tolerance: intermediate
Height, m: 20-30m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 4/20/?
Mast Frequency, yrs: 1 yr
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: all
Seed Banking: 2yrs
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: winged/>200m/wind
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: small tap root replaced by lateral system
Sprouting: can develop shoots from damaged stems on seedlings or saplings
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable, thick litter layers are detrimental to germination
Light: open conditions preferred
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Adult trees are readily killed by fire, but successful seedling establishment is dependent on fires of moderate severity at relatively short intervals.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: