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Atlas Cedar

Cedrus atlantica

Pinaceae · coniferous tree · introduced

Last updated

Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Site Data
Threats
Cultivars
Phenology
GDD Thresholds
Puget Sound

Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica, Pinaceae) is a conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco, reaching 40 to 60 feet in cultivation (rarely 120 feet in native habitat). Young trees form a pyramidal silhouette that matures to a flat-topped crown with ascending to horizontal branches. Blue-needled forms are the most commonly selected for landscape planting. Cones require two years to mature.

Atlas cedar grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates drought, hardy in Zones 6a to 8b. It is difficult to transplant and the least cold-hardy of the true cedars, benefiting from wind protection. Maintenance needs are medium. Documented diseases include Seiridium canker, Port Orford cedar root rot, leaf blight, cedar flagging, and needle blight. Cultivars include 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar), 'Glauca Pendula' (weeping blue), 'Pendula' (weeping, 12 feet), and 'Sahara Ice' (5 to 6 feet).

Quick Facts

Height
40-60 ft
Light
Full Sun to Part Shade
Hardiness
Zone Zones 6a–8b
Bloom Time
Non-flowering
Origin
the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco

Diseases (5)

Cultivars (4)

'Glauca'
Common name: Blue Atlas Cedar
Hardy to USDA Zone 6
'Glauca Pendula'
Common name: Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Hardy to USDA Zone 6
'Pendula'
Common name: Weeping Atlas Cedar; Mature height: 12 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 6
'Sahara Ice'
Common name: Sahara Ice Atlantic Cedar; Mature height: 5–6 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 6