Author | L. | |
Distribution | According to Weakley (2018), allegedly occurred on cliffs or ledges in Alleghany, Ashe, and Burke counties. However, no specimens are known and no written records are convincing.
Native to Eastern North America, south to WV (native), VA (native), and TN (native). | |
Abundance | Uncertain if present now, or even formerly. If so, it likely is/was not native south to NC. The NCNHP status was recently changed (2021) from an appropriate SE? (Exotic?) to a more generic SU (Undetermined). It could just as easily be ranked as SR (Reported) or SRF (Reported Falsely). The editors do not believe this species has a place on the NC flora as a native species, and ranking it here as SU would indeed put it on such a list. | |
Habitat | Strongly calcareous soils -- limestone bluffs, rocky slopes, etc. -- usually in somewhat dry to mesic conditions. Such habitats are very rare in NC. | |
Phenology | | |
Identification | This tree is superficially similar to Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), but the needles are blunt and rounded at the tip (vs. sharply tipped). It is also similar to Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), but the female cones are ellipsoid and leathery textured (vs. globose and essentially woody). | |
Taxonomic Comments | | |
Other Common Name(s) | American Arborvitae | |
State Rank | SU [SE?] | |
Global Rank | G5 | |
State Status | W3 | |
US Status | | |
USACE-agcp | FACW link |
USACE-emp | FACW link |