Cedar trees possess an enduring appeal and majestic presence across various landscapes. Understanding their distinct visual characteristics helps in recognizing these impressive conifers. This article will guide readers through the key features that allow for accurate identification of true cedar trees.
Key Visual Characteristics
Cedar trees, members of the genus Cedrus, are evergreen conifers. Their foliage consists of needle-like leaves arranged in dense clusters or spirals on short shoots, though new growth may appear singly. These needles range in color from shades of green to blue-green or silvery-blue, persisting on the tree for several years. Crushed foliage and branches often release a distinct, aromatic scent.
The bark of cedar trees changes as the tree matures. Young cedars may have smooth, gray-brown bark, which develops a furrowed, scaly, or ridged texture with age. The color can vary from dark gray to blackish-brown or reddish-brown, often exhibiting fissures or peeling chips.
True cedars are distinguished by their cones. Female cones are large, barrel-shaped, and grow upright on the branches. They mature over one to two seasons, changing color from green or purplish to reddish-brown. Upon maturity, these cones disintegrate on the tree, releasing their winged seeds, rather than falling intact. Male cones are smaller, appearing in late summer or early autumn, and release pollen.
A cedar tree’s overall shape also aids identification. Young cedars display a conical or pyramidal form with a stiff, erect leader. As they age, the crown broadens and can become open, flat-top, or irregular, with large, horizontal branches. Some species exhibit drooping branch tips.
Distinguishing from Similar Trees
Many trees are commonly referred to as “cedars” but are not true cedars (genus Cedrus), which belong to the pine family (Pinaceae). These “false cedars” belong to the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and include genera like Juniperus, Thuja (arborvitae), and Cupressus (cypress). Differences in foliage and cones are key to accurate identification.
Junipers (Juniperus) can be confused with cedars due to their aromatic wood and evergreen nature. However, junipers have scale-like or spiny, needle-like leaves that are flat and branching, unlike the clustered needles of true cedars. Their cones are distinct, appearing as small, fleshy, berry-like structures, bluish in color, unlike the woody, disintegrating cones of true cedars.
Arborvitae (Thuja) species feature flat, scale-like foliage arranged in flattened sprays. Their cones are small, less than an inch long, and oblong or rounded, differing from the upright, barrel-shaped cones of true cedars. Cypress trees (Cupressus or Chamaecyparis) also possess scale-like leaves, similar to arborvitae, and their cones are small and woody, though not disintegrating like those of Cedrus. Aromatic wood often leads to these misnomers.
Exploring Common Cedar Types
Within the Cedrus genus, several species exist, each with subtle visual distinctions. The Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), native to the Himalayas, is graceful. It features a conical crown with level branches and drooping branchlets and leaders, giving it a characteristic “droopy” look. Its needles are 1 to 2 inches long, appearing green to silvery-blue.
The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), originating from the Atlas Mountains, displays stiff, upright branches and develops a broad-conical crown that may flatten with age. Varieties like ‘Glauca’ have silvery-blue or bluish-green needles, which are shorter than those of the Deodar Cedar, around 2 cm long. The branch tips of Atlas Cedars do not droop.
The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) has a broad, flat-topped crown that develops in maturity, with massive, often horizontal, spreading branches. Its needles are dark green to gray-green, 1 to 1.5 inches long, and grow in clusters. Young trees exhibit a conical shape, with branches becoming horizontal over time.