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Atlas Cedar

Cedrus atlantica

Cedrus atlantica Cedrus atlantica
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Pinales
Family:
Pinaceae (Pine)
Also in this family:
Austrian Pine, Cedar-of-Lebanon, Corsican Pine, Deodar, Douglas Fir, European Larch, Grand Fir, Japanese Larch, Maritime Pine, Norway Spruce, Scot's Pine, Silver Fir, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Weymouth Pine
Type:
Evergreen tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
40 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, parks, roadsides.

Flower:
֍
Brown, no petals
 
Erect male flowers, up to 5cm tall. Flowers are green early in the year and later become brown.
Fruit:
The fruit are the cones. The female cones are light green and 1cm in size. The barrel-shaped male cones are flat-topped and grow up to 8cm long. The cones appear from October to December.
Leaves:
A very distinctive species with its tufts of silvery bluish-green needles. Each tuft carries between 30 and 45 needles. Not often found growing wild in the UK as it rarely self-seeds.
Other Names:
African Cedar, Atlas Deodar.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Cedrus atlantica, also known as Atlas cedar or African cedar, is a species of evergreen tree in the pine family. It is native to the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco, where it is widely cultivated for its wood and as an ornamental plant. The tree is known for its conical shape, dense foliage, and reddish-brown bark. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil and is often found in gardens, parks, and along roadsides. Cedrus atlantica is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters in height. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree and is valued for its attractive appearance and fast growth rate. The wood of the tree is also used in construction, furniture, and papermaking.

Blog

The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is a majestic evergreen coniferous tree that is native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. This species of Cedar is a staple in the ornamental plant trade and is widely cultivated across the world for its attractive foliage, tall stature, and fragrant wood.

Atlas Cedar is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall and 3 meters wide, with a dense and pyramidal crown. The tree has a rough bark that is grayish-brown in color and a trunk that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter. The needles of the Atlas Cedar are evergreen, bluish-green, and grow in tufts of up to 20 cm long. The male cones are long and cylindrical while the female cones are egg-shaped and can grow up to 20 cm long. The tree also produces seeds that are surrounded by a fleshy aril that can be bright red, orange, or yellow in color.

The Atlas Cedar is valued for its fragrant and durable wood, which is used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture, and essential oil production. The oil derived from the Atlas Cedar is used in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetic products due to its woody and balsamic scent. The wood of the Atlas Cedar is also resistant to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for outdoor use.

In landscaping and horticulture, the Atlas Cedar is prized for its ornamental value. The tree is widely planted as a specimen tree in parks, gardens, and large landscapes due to its tall stature and attractive foliage. The tree is also suitable for use as a windbreak or privacy screen, making it a popular choice for rural properties.

The Atlas Cedar is an adaptable species that can grow in a variety of soils, including those that are well-drained, poor, and even rocky. The tree is also tolerant of frost and can grow in climates with cold winters and hot summers. However, the Atlas Cedar does require full sun to grow and thrive and can be sensitive to drought.

The Atlas Cedar is a magnificent tree that is widely valued for its ornamental, aromatic, and utilitarian qualities. Whether you are looking for a specimen tree for your garden, a windbreak for your farm, or a source of fragrant wood for your next project, the Atlas Cedar is a species worth considering.

Atlas Cedar Care and Maintenance

The Atlas Cedar is a low maintenance tree that requires minimal care to grow and thrive. However, there are a few key considerations that can help ensure that your Atlas Cedar remains healthy and attractive for many years to come.

  1. Watering: The Atlas Cedar is relatively drought-tolerant, but it does require regular watering during the first few years after planting. Once the tree is established, it can usually survive on rainfall alone. However, during periods of drought, it is a good idea to provide supplemental water to ensure that the tree remains healthy.

  2. Pruning: Atlas Cedar trees are naturally dense and can benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or crossing branches. Pruning can also help maintain the tree's shape and encourage healthy growth. It is best to prune the tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

  3. Soil: Atlas Cedar trees can grow in a variety of soils, including those that are well-drained, poor, and even rocky. However, they do prefer soils that are alkaline and well-drained. If your soil is heavy or poorly drained, it is a good idea to amend it with organic matter or build a raised bed.

  4. Fertilizing: Atlas Cedar trees are relatively low-maintenance in terms of fertilizing and do not require regular applications of fertilizer to grow and thrive. However, if you notice that your tree is not growing as well as it should, you can provide it with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

  5. Pests and Diseases: Atlas Cedar trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by various problems, including cankers, root rot, and tip blight. To minimize the risk of pest and disease problems, it is important to provide the tree with proper care, including adequate water and proper pruning.

In conclusion, the Atlas Cedar is a low maintenance tree that is relatively easy to care for and maintain. With proper care and attention, your Atlas Cedar can provide you with many years of ornamental beauty and fragrance.

Atlas Cedar in Landscape Design

The Atlas Cedar is a versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscape design projects, both big and small. Some of the ways that the Atlas Cedar can be used in landscape design include:

  1. Specimen Tree: The Atlas Cedar makes a great specimen tree due to its tall stature, attractive foliage, and fragrant wood. When planted in a prominent location, the Atlas Cedar can provide a focal point and create a sense of scale in the landscape.

  2. Privacy Screen: The Atlas Cedar can also be used as a privacy screen, making it a great choice for rural properties. When planted in a row, the Atlas Cedar can create a natural barrier that blocks unwanted views and provides privacy.

  3. Windbreak: The Atlas Cedar is also suitable for use as a windbreak, making it a great choice for exposed or windy sites. When planted in a row, the Atlas Cedar can help protect other plants and structures from wind damage.

  4. Hedge: The Atlas Cedar can also be used as a hedge, making it a great choice for gardens and landscapes that require a low maintenance and attractive boundary.

  5. Group Planting: The Atlas Cedar can also be planted in groups, making it a great choice for larger landscapes and parks. Group plantings of Atlas Cedar can create a natural and attractive forest-like setting that provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility.

In conclusion, the Atlas Cedar is a versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscape design projects. Whether you are looking for a specimen tree, privacy screen, windbreak, hedge, or group planting, the Atlas Cedar is a species that is well worth considering.

The History and Significance of Atlas Cedar

The Atlas Cedar is a species of coniferous tree that is native to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. It is a species that has been known and cultivated for thousands of years, and has been used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture making, and essential oil production.

In ancient times, the Atlas Cedar was considered to be a sacred tree by the Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa. It was believed to have mystical properties and was used in religious ceremonies and rituals. In addition, the wood from the Atlas Cedar was highly valued for its fragrant and durable qualities, and was used in the construction of buildings, furniture, and boats.

Today, the Atlas Cedar is widely cultivated throughout the world, and is widely grown as an ornamental tree. Its tall stature, attractive foliage, and fragrant wood make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, and it is often used as a specimen tree or as a component of larger landscape designs.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Atlas Cedar also has a number of practical uses. The essential oil derived from its wood is used in perfumes, soaps, and other fragrances, and its wood is also used in construction, furniture making, and wood products.

In conclusion, the Atlas Cedar is a species with a rich history and significance. Its ornamental value, practical uses, and cultural significance make it a tree that is well worth considering for your garden or landscape.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map