Atlantic White Cedar (Chaemaecyparis Thyoides) Some Authors Write It

atlantic white cedar (chaemaecyparis thyoides) some authors write it as: “atlantic white-cedar” family:the atlantic white cedar is a membe

Atlantic White Cedar (Chaemaecyparis thyoides)
Some authors write it as: “Atlantic White-Cedar”
Family:The Atlantic White Cedar is a member of the Cypress family,
Cupressaceae,
Location:
and is also commonly known as the Arbor Vitae (“tree of life”). It is
found in open conditions with acidic soils, or pure stands in swamp
forests.
this specimen found in a peat (sphagnum) bog in Ponkapoag Bog,
Massachusetts
Characteristics:
Deciduous tree
distinctive reddish, fibrous, “catscratch” bark
oil glands on leaves
Height 15-27m (50-90 feet)
Leaves: The leaves of Atlantic White Cedar are
opposite, evergreen, dull blue-green, scale-like sprays
1-3 mm (1/16-1/8 in) long
. They contain glands that secrete oil which prevents rot and
discourages moths.
particularly aromatic crushed leaves
Bark: The bark is
reddish-brown, thin, and fibrous, with “catscratch” appearance. The
bark is
Uses:
Springy lLive branches Atlantic White Cedar are particularly springy
and can be used in fire starting to make the construction of a bow
drill, a tool used in ignition of a pile of tinder. In addition, the
Flaky bark flaky and useful for making cordage and tinder in
fire-starting
Bark rich in Vitamin C; historically eaten as scurvy preventative
Notes:
*
Chaemaecyparis thyoides is not aa member of the same family ase
Cedrus family, which contains “true cedars”, like Cedar-of-Lebanon
and other Mediterranean Cedars.
*
Also known as the Arbor Vitae (“tree of life”).
Sources:
- Peterson’s Field Guide
http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_chth2.pdf#search=%22silvics%20guide%20atlantic%20white%20cedar%2
http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/bowdrill/pmoc/basicbowdrill.html
Rachel n Aysu,
Good start!
A couple of thoughts: we suggest trying sentence fragments as an
alternative (and maybe even bullets). Why?
*
It is easier to read
*
Users find info quickly
*
There is a cleaner look to it
*
I dunno…but I wanted a fourth item.
That said, you will want more depth in the Uses section. How DOES one
use it as a bow drill? Some clear instructions (maybe supported by
photos or illustrations) would be good. How about this: if you have
multiple species that can be used for bow drills, have a little bow
drill section that each of those species can link to. And, given that
we have a film-maker on the team, you could have still photos of
building a bow drill AND maybe even a little movie showing the drill
in action…. How’s that sound?
See us if any of this is unclear.
The Staff