Blue Atlas Cedar
Cedrus atlantica · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Shade Tree, Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' - distinguished by its striking silvery-blue to glaucous needle coloration.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9, tolerating summer heat and moderate winter freezes.
About This Tree
A majestic large evergreen conifer with an open, irregular, spreading crown at maturity. Initially pyramidal when young, it develops flattened branching tiers and a wide, picturesque canopy over time. Needles are stiff and clustered on short shoots. It has a moderate to slow growth rate.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like foliage, rigid and sharply pointed, 0.75 to 1 inch long, clustered in dense spirals on short spur shoots and arranged singly on long shoots. Striking silvery-blue to steel-blue color.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to blackish bark that starts smooth on young trees, developing deep furrows, ridges, and scaly plates as it matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria in North Africa; widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round; new growth emerges in spring (typically May), cones mature over a two-year cycle and shed in autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best color and form. Prefers deep, well-draining soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering after the first few years.
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 40 to 60 feet (sometimes taller in native habitats) with a spread of 30 to 45 feet. Long-lived specimen tree.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought tolerance, excellent urban pollution tolerance, striking ornamental foliage color, and durable softwood timber value.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides thermal cover and nesting sites for various bird species. Seeds are consumed by small mammals and birds. Generally resistant to major pests and diseases due to aromatic resin.