Types of Cedar Trees

Cedar trees scientifically known as Cedrus, belong to the Pine (Pinaceae) family with features similar to that of the Arborvitae family. Different types of cedar trees are found in the mountainous regions, which have moist soil mixed with limestone. They grow well in an environment with abundant rainfall. Cedar trees are conical shaped, spanning approximately 50 feet in width and growing up to a height of 30-40 feet. Before going over the types of cedar trees, let's look at some common facts about cedar trees.

Facts about Cedar Trees

Cedar trees produce seeds that are clustered into conical shapes and emit a strong smell. Cedar trees have flat sprigs that are full and dense, with yellow flowers blooming at the tip of the leaves. The leaves, shaped like needles spread into four angles, growing on short side branches and are colored silvery-blue or bluish-green. The cedar bark is usually reddish brown in color. They have branches fanning out in all directions and usually have split trunks.

These types of trees grow durable, red-colored wood which is used for construction and also for making pencils and small tools. In mountainous regions, cedar is even used as firewood. During the middle ages, cedar wood was used for making boats, weapons, boxes, bowls and baskets, and the bark was used for making blankets, capes or costumes. Cedar wood produces a toxic, natural oil that has a spicy smell and is poisonous to insects and animals. Cedar trees are used for decorative purposes too, such as bonsai trees or plants planted on the sidelines of streets.

Cedar Tree Varieties

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica): Atlas Cedars grow in the form of wide pyramids that are filled with needled evergreen leaves; these are mostly found in North Africa. The Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca') which has stunning silvery-blue needles is the most commonly planted. This type is not suitable for street planting. These cedars grow well in temperate climate, as they are not cold-hardy.

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani): Cedar of Lebanon is the most cold-hardy among the cedar trees and comes equipped with a thick trunk. They have bright green leaves that are open and irregularly pyramid-shaped. These cedar trees are exceptional specimens amongst the whole cedar family; however, they are not suitable for street planting.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara): Deodar Cedar also known as Himalayan cedar, is pyramid-shaped with dense, soft-textured branches in a tiered, pendulum-like form. These types of trees form a bowed structure, due to their low branches which incline towards the ground. These cedar trees are known by the striking shape they grow into, and also are the fastest growing cedar trees.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Eastern Red Cedar is found in the wilderness areas in the eastern United States. Their needle-like, younger leaves grow to become older, scaly leaves. These bright greenish leaves turn into a pinkish hue during the cold season, and also emit a pleasant smell when crushed. These trees bear blue berries, which is an attractive winter snack for birds. The wood from this tree is used to make hedges or windbreakers. Varieties of Eastern Red Cedar include Canaerti, Blue Point Juniper trees, Burkii, Princeton Sentry, Emerald Sentry, Hetzii Columnaris and Keteleeri.

Oriental Arborvitae (Thuja orientalis): Oriental arborvitae are found springing forth in the form of a small tree or even like a small shrub. These trees usually develop from a dense and compact foliage, to an open canopy. They come with scaled needles, colored bright green. It is grown as a hedge, as they are easy to trim. The most common varieties include Bakeri, Blue Cone, and Elegantissima.

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis): The Northern White Cedar also known as White Cedar, Eastern White Cedar or American Arborvitae is used for landscaping. These type of tree types come with lustrous green, fragrant leaves, which cover the trunk from the ground up to the sweeping branches. They have dark brown trunks, which makes them ideal to be used as a hedge. The most common varieties include Affinity, Emerald, Sunkist, Hills Dark Green, Techny, Fastigiata, Nigra, Wareana Lutescens, Columnaris, and Pyramidalis.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): Western Red Cedar also known as Great Western Arborvitae, Canoe Cedar, Pacific Redcedar and Giant Red Cedar are found in the wild in the northwestern parts of United States and Canada. They are usefully cultivated to form hedges and for screening. The leaves are scaly with a glossy green color and are aromatic. They have a reddish brown bark, with foliage that turns brownish-bronze in winter. The more common varieties are Atrovirens, Emerald Cone, Zebrina, Stoneham Gold, Green Giant, and Fastigiata.

With so many types of cedar trees available, it is simple to select one that fits your landscaping needs.