Cedar is a type of tree, specifically a genus of coniferous trees. The term “cedar” can be confusing because it is broadly applied to many different trees, even those not botanically related to true cedars. This widespread use stems from historical naming conventions, often based on aromatic wood or similar appearances. Understanding botanical distinctions clarifies what constitutes a true cedar and how to identify them among other trees sharing the name.
The True Cedars
True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus, part of the pine family (Pinaceae). These evergreen conifers are native to mountainous regions, found in the Mediterranean basin and the western Himalayas. They grow at high altitudes, ranging from 1,000 to 3,200 meters (3,300 to 10,500 feet) above sea level.
The most recognized species within the Cedrus genus include the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), and the Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia). These trees are known for their longevity, often living for centuries, and can reach heights of 30 to 40 meters (98 to 131 feet), sometimes up to 60 meters (200 feet). Their wood is characterized by a spicy, resinous scent and is valued for its durability and resistance to decay.
Trees Often Called Cedar
While “true cedar” refers specifically to the Cedrus genus, many other trees are commonly called “cedar” due to shared characteristics like aromatic wood or similar appearance. This often leads to confusion. For example, some junipers (Juniperus) are often called cedars, such as the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana).
Trees from the arborvitae genus (Thuja) are often called cedars; the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is an example. False cypresses (Chamaecyparis) also fall into this category, with the Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis) being examples. These trees, while sharing the “cedar” name, belong to different botanical families, such as the cypress family (Cupressaceae).
Distinguishing Features
True cedars have short, stiff, needle-like leaves, typically 8 to 60 millimeters (0.3 to 2.4 inches) long, arranged in dense clusters or rosettes on short shoots. In contrast, many “false cedars” like junipers and arborvitae have scale-like leaves or longer, singly attached needles. Their cones are large, barrel-shaped, and upright on the branches, maturing over two to three years before disintegrating on the tree to release seeds. Other trees called cedar, such as junipers, often produce smaller, rounder, or berry-like cones, while arborvitae and false cypresses have small, woody cones that do not disintegrate on the tree.
The bark of true cedars is thick, ridged, or deeply furrowed, becoming scaly with age. Many false cedars have fibrous bark that peels in strips. While many “cedars” have an aromatic scent, true cedars often have a spicy, resinous fragrance.