Deodar Cedar
Cedrus deodara · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Conifer, Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7 - 9; susceptible to damage in extreme cold or heavy ice/snow loads.
About This Tree
A large, graceful evergreen with a pyramidal form in youth, developing a flat-topped crown with age. It is characterized by its drooping or 'weeping' branch tips and a central leader that often nods.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like foliage, 1-2 inches long, emerging bright green and maturing to a soft bluish-green; arranged in dense clusters (whorls) on short spurs or singly on long shoots.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brownish-black; relatively smooth on young trees, becoming deeply furrowed and scaly with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Western Himalayas; widely adapted to temperate regions with mild winters, such as the Pacific Northwest and SE USA
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; cones produce pollen in autumn; seeds mature in 13-17 months
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun; moderate water needs once established; possesses good drought tolerance compared to other cedars once mature.
Mature Size
40-70 feet height (can reach 150+ in native habitat), 20-40 feet spread; moderate growth rate; can live hundreds of years.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its graceful, pendulous habit; timber is durable and fragrant; moderately resistant to most pests but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soil.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides year-round nesting cover and shelter for birds and small mammals; seeds are a food source for squirrels and some bird species.