Cedar trees are recognized conifers, valued for their distinctive appearance and often aromatic wood. Their presence shapes various landscapes across the globe, from dense forests to ornamental gardens. Understanding where these trees are found provides insight into their adaptability and the diverse environments they inhabit.
Understanding Cedar Trees
The term “cedar” is commonly used for many coniferous trees, but botanically, only those in the genus Cedrus are “true cedars.” These true cedars are part of the pine family (Pinaceae). Many other trees, while sharing the common name due to similar aromatic wood or appearance, actually belong to different genera within the cypress family (Cupressaceae), such as Thuja, Juniperus, and Chamaecyparis. Their native ranges and characteristics can differ significantly.
Global Habitats of True Cedars
True cedars (Cedrus genus) are native to mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and western Himalayas. The four main species have specific native distributions.
The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is found in the mountains of Lebanon, Syria, and south-central Turkey. The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is indigenous to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, including northern Morocco and northern Algeria.
The Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) originates from the western Himalayas, with its native range extending from northern India into Afghanistan and east to Nepal. These trees typically grow at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,200 meters.
The Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia) has a more restricted native habitat, found exclusively on the island of Cyprus. These species generally thrive in montane zones where rainfall occurs mostly in winter and summers are dry, though the Deodar cedar tolerates summer rainfall.
Regional Ranges of Common “Cedar” Varieties
The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the most widely distributed conifer in the eastern United States, ranging from Nova Scotia, west to Ontario, and south through the Great Plains to eastern Texas and Florida. It is found in limestone bluffs, glades, fields, and along fence rows.
Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata) is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Its range extends from southeastern Alaska, through British Columbia, western Washington, and Oregon, reaching northern California. It also occurs in moist sites in the northern Rockies, including northeastern Washington, Idaho, and northwestern Montana.
Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), also known as arborvitae, is native to eastern Canada and the north-central and northeastern United States, extending from southeastern Manitoba to New Brunswick, and south to states like New York, Vermont, and Maine. Isolated populations exist in the Appalachian Mountains, including parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
The Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) has a more limited native range, primarily along the Pacific coast in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, often found in valleys of the Klamath Mountains and along streams. The Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), is found in scattered locations along or near the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.
Environmental Preferences for Cedar Growth
Cedar trees thrive in temperate climates, preferring well-drained soils. True cedars, native to mountainous regions, are adapted to areas with distinct wet winters and drier summers, or, for the Deodar Cedar, monsoon-influenced summer rainfall.
Most cedar species are hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, with some cultivars showing greater cold tolerance. These trees typically prefer a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
Good drainage is important, as cedars do not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. While they require consistent moisture, especially during establishment, mature cedars can be drought-tolerant once their root systems are developed. Full sun to partial sun exposure is preferred for growth.