Evergreen trees, similar to the Thujas, with minute opposite appressed 4-ranked scalelike leaves, or those of older twigs subulate, and small monoecious terminal aments. Stami-nate aments as in Thuja, but the filaments broader and shield-shaped. Ovule-bearing aments globose, their scales opposite, peltate, each bearing 2-5 erect ovules. Cones globose, the scales thick, peltate, each bearing 2-5 erect seeds, closed until mature, each with a central point or knob. Seeds winged. [Greek, meaning a low cypress.]

. About 6 species, the following of the eastern United States, 2 in western North America, the others Asiatic. Type species: Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea Spach.

1. Chamaecyparis Thyoides (L.) B.S.P. Southern White Cedar

Fig. 153

Cupressus thyoides L. Sp. PI. 1003. 1753. Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea Spach, Hist. Veg. 11: 331.

1842. Chamaecyparis thyoides B.S.P. Prel. Cat. N. Y. 71.

1888.

A forest tree, reaching a maximum height of about 90º and a trunk diameter of 4 1/2°. Leaves of the ultimate branchlets ovate, acute, scarcely i" wide, those of the lateral rows keeled, those of the vertical rows slightly convex, each with a minute round discoid marking on the centre of the back, those of the older twigs narrower and longer, subulate; cones about 3" in diameter, blue, each of their closely fitting scales with a small central point; seeds narrowly winged.

In swamps, southern Maine and New Hampshire to northern New Jersey, south to Florida and Mississippi, mostly near the coast. Wood soft, weak, close-grained, light brown; weight per cubic foot 21 lbs. April-May. Called also Post or Swamp Cedar, Juniper.