Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Deodar cedar is a large evergreen native to the western Himalayas and planted in parts of the United States. The branch tips droop, and blue-green needles grow in clusters on short shoots. Deodar cedar is also called Himalayan cedar.

Appearance

Growth form: Young trees have a pointed outline; their wide branches develop drooping tips. In landscapes, trees commonly grow about 30–50 ft (9–15 m) tall.
Leaves: Blue-green needles grow singly on new shoots and in clusters on short older shoots.

Look-alikes

Atlas cedarCedrus atlantica

Deodar cedar usually has noticeably drooping branch tips and longer needles. Atlas cedar has shorter needles and branch tips that usually stay stiffer.

Why they get mixed upBoth are true cedars and some forms have blue-green needles.

cedar of LebanonCedrus libani

Deodar cedar keeps a more pointed outline and drooping branch tips. A mature cedar of Lebanon spreads into a broad, flatter crown.

Why they get mixed upBoth have needle clusters and upright cones.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Parks and large lawns
Landscaped streets
Range: Native from Afghanistan across the western Himalayas; grown in the United States, including North Carolina.
Preferred conditions: It does best in sun and well-drained soil and is suited to 7–9.

Life cycle

Reproduction: Upright, barrel-shaped seed cones sit on the branches and break apart when mature.

Growing it

Care: Some garden selections have golden or blue foliage, and some stay much smaller than the usual tree.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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