Deodar Cedar
Cedrus deodara (SEE-drus dee-oh-DAR-uh)
Deodar cedar is a fine textured evergreen tree in the Pinaceae (pine) family native to the area from Tibet to Afghanistan. Its form is broadly pyramidal when young, but its pendulous or weeping branches become wide and spreading as its central leader often dies out. Growing at a moderate rate of 13 inches to 24 inches per year, this tree typically reaches heights of 50 feet; however, in its native habitat, it can reach heights of up to 200 feet. Plant it in a rich, well-drained and somewhat dry, sunny location with protection from winds. It is intolerant of poorly drained wet soils and can be easily damaged by frost. It can transplant easily if it has been root pruned. Considered to be one of the most graceful conifers, it works well as a specimen, in landscape groupings or as a screen but be sure to consider its large mature size when siting a location. Its year-round gray-green color provides interest in a winter garden along with providing cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. With its lower branches removed, it makes an attractive, interesting street tree. Due to its messy habits, placement as a street tree should include considering the distance from sidewalks and street paving. This tree is resistant to damage by deer and is moderately salt tolerant. An aromatic oil is produced by this conifer that naturally deters insects. Quick ID Hints : needles, elongate, pliable, 1-2 inches grayish-green color, light blue apically needles multiple on dwarf shoots male cones gigantic, erect all Cedrus genus member have new needles that are born singly on stems needles are triangular to quadrangular in cross-section female wood barrel-shaped cones sit on top of the branches Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to beetle borers, arillaira, phytophthora, root rot, and sooty mold. VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 63 attributes.
How it fits the guild