Tree Species of the Cedrus Genus

Picture of a Cedar Tree
Cedrus atlantica, Atlas Cedar
Bonsai Atlas Cedar Tree (Cedrus atlantica)

The Cedrus (Commonly known as Cedar) genus is a group of four species of coniferous trees, containing five taxa overall. Cedar trees are closely related to the Firs (Abies) as they both have a very similar cone structure. Cedars produce a resinous spicy scented wood, with thick ridged or square cracked bark. The branches tend to grow out from the trunk broad and level. Cedar trees grow up to a mature height of 30m to 40m and occasionally up to 60m.

Cedars (Cedrus) are native to the Mediterranean region and the western Himalayan mountains, and can be found at altitudes of 1000m to 2200m in the Mediterranean region and 1500m to 3200m in the Himalayas.

Ornamental Cedar Uses

Cedars are widely used as ornamental trees in temperate climate landscapes, where winter temperatures do not fall below about -25°C. The Turkish Cedar is slightly hardier, and can be used where winter temperatures dip down to -30°C. Cedar trees have grown successfully, and have had long-term cultivation success in the following regions; Western Europe north to the British Isles, The entire Mediterranean region, Southern and Western North America, and southern Australia and New Zealand.

Cedar Wood Uses

Cedar trees are grown for their durable and rot resistant scented wood. Cedar wood contains a resinous oil within, which gives the wood its scent and resistant properties to weather elements. Therefore cedar wood is used for purposes requiring resistance to weather, such as cedar shakes and shingles. Fence posts, panels and pickets are also made from cedar wood, as they require less protection than other woods, and will ultimately last longer too. Cedar wood and the cedar oil within the wood has proved to be a natural repellent to moths, therefore cedar is used as a popular lining for closets in which woolens are stored.

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