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Cedrus deodara, deodar cedar
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Coniferous Trees

Cedrus deodara

deodar cedar

Pinaceae
Western Himalayas — eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan through northern India to western Nepal; 4,900-11,800 feet (1,500-3,600 m) elevation

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height40-70 feet (12-21 m)
Width20-40 feet (6-12 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (light)
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Cedrus deodara is deodar cedar (Himalayan cedar), an upright coniferous tree growing 40-70 feet (12-21 m) tall and 20-40 feet (6-12 m) wide. Blue-green to gray-green soft needles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in dense spur-shoot clusters of 20-30. Upright barrel-shaped cones 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) that disintegrate on the tree. In Pinaceae. Deodara = devdar (Sanskrit: timber of the gods). A true cedar — one of four Cedrus species. The nodding leader tip and pendulous branch tips are the signature features — erect leaders in C. atlantica and C. libani. The softest and most feathery texture of any true cedar. Native to the western Himalayas. The massive size (40-70 feet / 12-21 m × 20-40 feet / 6-12 m) requires a very large site. Hardy to about 5°F (-15°C) — zone 7 (less cold-hardy than C. atlantica). Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-9. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate to fast.

Native Range

Native to the western Himalayas — eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan through northern India to western Nepal at 4,900-11,800 feet (1,500-3,600 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown as a large coniferous specimen on very large sites, spaced 20-40 feet (6-12 m). Graceful nodding leader. Softest cedar. Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-9.

How to Identify

Identified by a broadly pyramidal form with a graceful nodding leader tip, pendulous branch tips, and soft feathery blue-green needles in spur-shoot clusters. The nodding leader (vs. erect in C. atlantica) and the soft long needles are diagnostic. In Pinaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread20' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

blue
green
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Fall
Not applicable — conifer. Wind-pollinated. Pollen shed September-October. Upright barrel-shaped cones 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) disintegrate on the tree in year 2-3.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Blue-green to gray-green, soft, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), in dense spur-shoot clusters of 20-30; the longest and softest needles of any true cedar — finer and more feathery texture than C. atlantica or C. libani; the leader tip nods gracefully (the signature C. deodara identification feature); pendulous branch tips

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
loamsandclay
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20-30 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6-12 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Hardy to 5°F (-15°C) — zone 7. Massive size (40-70 feet / 12-21 m) — requires very large site. Minimal pruning. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-9.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or damaged branches in early spring (February-March). Do not remove the nodding leader tip — it is the signature form feature. Do not top.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic