Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca', blue Atlas cedar
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Coniferous Trees

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

blue Atlas cedar

Pinaceae

Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco, 4,000–7,200 ft; 'Glauca' is a cultivar selected for intensely blue-glaucous foliage

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Width30-40 feet (9-12 m)
Maturity40 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' is a large, long-lived, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, a cultivar of Atlas cedar selected for intensely silvery-blue to powder-blue foliage. 'Glauca' means 'blue-gray' or 'glaucous,' referring to the waxy bloom on the needles. Trees grow 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall and 30–40 feet (9–12 m) wide, developing the same dramatic silhouette as the straight species: broadly pyramidal in youth, maturing to a FLAT-TOPPED CROWN with WIDE-SPREADING HORIZONTAL LAYERED BRANCHES in sweeping tiers. The needles are 0.75–1.5 inch (2–4 cm) long, in dense spur-shoot clusters of 20–45, with INTENSE SILVERY-BLUE COLOR maintained year-round. UPRIGHT BARREL-SHAPED CONES 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) disintegrate on the tree. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Species native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco at 4,000–7,200 feet (1,200–2,200 m) elevation. 'Glauca' is a cultivar selected for intensely blue-glaucous foliage.

Suggested Uses

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' is planted as a large, dramatic specimen conifer in Pacific Northwest parks, large gardens, and estates. The intensely silvery-blue year-round foliage makes this one of the most popular specimen trees in PNW landscapes. Pairs effectively with dark-green conifers or bronze/red-foliaged plants for contrast. Requires ample space — not appropriate for small gardens.

How to Identify

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' is identified as a large evergreen conifer with INTENSELY SILVERY-BLUE TO POWDER-BLUE NEEDLES in dense spur-shoot clusters of 20–45 — the most vivid and consistent blue of any large common garden cedar. 'Glauca' = 'glaucous/blue-gray.' Same structure as straight species: FLAT-TOPPED TIERED CROWN at maturity; UPRIGHT BARREL CONES disintegrate on tree. Distinguished from straight C. atlantica by more intensely blue (vs. blue-green) needles. Distinguished from C. deodara 'Glauca': more horizontal (less drooping) branch tips; upright (non-nodding) leader.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread30' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown
green

Foliage Colors

blue
silver

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Fall
Pollen released from small upright male strobili in October–November. Upright barrel-shaped female cones 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) develop over 2–3 years, ripening October–November of the third year, then disintegrating on the tree. Wind-pollinated. Cones held erect on upper branches.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

UPRIGHT BARREL-SHAPED CONES 2–3 inches; disintegrate on tree Oct–Nov year 3; pollen shed Oct–Nov (unusual late timing); wind-pollinated

Foliage Description

INTENSELY SILVERY-BLUE TO POWDER-BLUE — the most vivid blue of common garden cedars; 'Glauca' = 'glaucous/blue-gray'; spur-shoot clusters 20–45; FLAT-TOPPED TIERED CROWN at maturity; UPRIGHT BARREL CONES; most widely planted large specimen conifer in PNW; DATA CORRECTIONS: species null; rewrote curly-brace prose

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockychalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20-40 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' requires full sun in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Requires excellent drainage; will not tolerate waterlogged soils. Allow ample space for the broad mature spread of 30–40 feet (9–12 m). No fertilizer required in adequate soils. The blue foliage color is most intense in full sun — partial shade reduces the glaucous effect.

Pruning

No pruning required for natural form. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring. Do not top — destroys the characteristic flat-topped silhouette. Lower branches can be removed as the tree matures to raise the crown. Staking of young trees may be needed until the central leader is established.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic