In the lumber trade, the American arborvitae , some species of false cypress (genus Chamaecyparis ) and McNab cypress, incense cedar ( Calocedrus decurrens ), and California juniper, all in the cypress family.
Nonconiferous trees that are called white cedar include the chinaberry ( Melia azedarach , mahogany family ) and some members of the plant families Bignoniaceae (trumpet creepers), Celastraceae (staff trees), Myristicaceae (nutmegs), Burseraceae, and Dipterocarpaceae. Botanically, white cedar is Chamaecyparis thyoides , a picturesque tree with purple cones, native to North America and East Asia. The wood is used for carpentry, pencils, storage chests, interiors, and fence posts.