Blue Atlas Cedar
Cedrus atlantica · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Glauca Pendula (Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9, tolerating summer heat well once established.
About This Tree
A striking ornamental conifer featuring a weeping, pendulous growth habit with cascading branches and a distinctive crooked or trained leader. It has a graceful, sculptural form with soft silvery-blue foliage that creates a dramatic focal point in landscapes.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like leaves clustered in dense whorls or spurs on short shoots. The needles are stiff, sharp, about 1 inch long, and striking silvery-blue to glaucous-green in color, retaining their vibrant color throughout the year.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to blackish bark that starts smooth on young stems and develops scaly ridges, plates, and shallow furrows as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round with active needle growth occurring in spring and early summer; winter dormant.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal color and growth. Needs moderate watering during the establishment period, but becomes quite drought-tolerant once established. Prefers well-draining soils and dislikes sitting in standing water.
Mature Size
Typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet when staked and weeping, growing at a slow to moderate rate with a long lifespan.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its striking cascading form, unique silvery-blue foliage, and good drought tolerance once mature. Often used as a dramatic specimen or accent plant.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides year-round cover, nesting sites, and shelter for small birds and wildlife. Cones produce seeds consumed by various local birds and small mammals.