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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
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 - 9Zone 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
A large, broadly pyramidal evergreen conifer native to the western Himalayas, reaching 40–70 feet (12–21 m) tall and 20–40 feet (6–12 m) wide in landscape settings, with a graceful softly weeping character unique among the true cedars. The central leader is straight and upright; branches sweep outward and downward, with the tips distinctively drooping. Needles 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, blue-green to gray-green, soft, borne in dense clusters — the finest and softest needle texture of any true cedar. Among the fastest-growing true cedars. Pollen cones erect and ornamental in fall; barrel-shaped seed cones 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5 cm) long appear on mature trees. Mildly fragrant. Hardy in USDA zones 7–9 (marginally zone 6 with protection).
Native Range
Cedrus deodara (deodar cedar, from Sanskrit devadaru, meaning wood of the gods) is native to the western Himalayas — from eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan through northern India to western Nepal — growing at elevations of 4,900–11,800 feet (1,500–3,600 m) in montane conifer forests.Suggested Uses
Used as a large-scale specimen or landscape anchor on properties with adequate space. The graceful weeping form and feathery texture create a distinctive silhouette unlike any other large conifer. Widely planted as a street tree and park specimen in Pacific Northwest cities. Requires a minimum half-acre property for comfortable long-term accommodation.How to Identify
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 weeksJ
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Fall
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-green to gray-green, soft, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, in dense clusters; finer and softer texture than other true cedarsGrowing 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
Drainage
well 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
Plant in full sun in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Requires significant space — allow 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) of clearance. Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established. Adaptable to a range of well-drained soils but intolerant of standing water. Fast-growing — can put on 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) per year when young. Hardy to about 10°F (-12°C); may sustain damage in zone 6 winters.Pruning
Requires no routine pruning. Preserve the central leader. Remove dead branches in late winter. Lower limbs may be removed for clearance as the tree matures.Pruning Schedule
J
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early spring