Types of cedar trees species found worldwide. Some notable types include the Atlas cedar, native to the Mediterranean; the Lebanon Cedar, famed for its ancient history; the Western Red Cedar of the Pacific Northwest; and the Spanish cedar, prized for its wood’s aroma.
These trees are celebrated for their evergreen foliage, distinctive cones, and versatility in different landscapes and climates. Each type of cedar tree offers unique characteristics and has significantly contributed to culture and industry.
There are many different kinds of cedar trees, and all of them are quite interesting. They may be found in every region of the globe, and each variety has unique characteristics that set it apart.
They retain their green leaves throughout the year, produce unique cones, and some even have a pleasant aroma when their wood is burned.
Let’s find out more about these interesting cedar trees, what makes them special, and how they’ve been helpful to people for a long time. Come along on this adventure into the world of cedar trees.
Different Types of Cedar Trees
Following are different types of cedar trees:
1: Alaska Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: 60 – 90 feet
- Width: Broad
- Hardiness Zones: 4 – 7 (USDA)
The Alaska cedar is a true cedar species native to North America’s temperate regions and is truly one-of-a-kind. This fake cedar, belonging to the Pinaceae family, boasts a majestic silhouette despite its relatively modest height and breadth.
The tree is adorned with glossy, dark green needles, creating an evergreen spectacle that can be admired year-round. Its distinctive weeping leaves and drooping branches infuse any space with refined drama. The striking bluish-green foliage and petite brown cones set it apart.
The reddish-brown trunk beneath its peeling bark adds to the allure of the Alaska cedar. Alaska Cedars are an excellent choice for gardeners due to their resilience and adaptability.
They are adaptable and may grow in a variety of settings, from complete exposure to sunlight to partial or even no shade at all. It flourishes whether the soil is dry or wet, providing good drainage to prevent root rot.
2: Deodar Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Tallness: 40–50 feet
- Size: 20–30 feet wide
- Hardiness Zones: 7 – 9 (USDA)
The Deodar Cedar hails from the western Himalayas and adds a touch of magnificence to any landscape. These genuine cedars, part of the Cedrus genus and Pinaceae family, are known for their drooping leaves and lovely cones.
This tree, rooted in the Himalayas, stands strong against climate change, with robust bark and evergreen foliage that stays colorful year-round. Its name translates to ‘Tree of the Gods,’ reflecting its divine nature.
With their slender, tall forms, Deodar Cedars feature clusters of captivating blue-green needles that can transform any environment. The tree’s attractive bark, sturdy trunk, and elegant cones make it a top choice for areas within USDA hardiness zones where it thrives.
3. Northern White Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Elevation: 40–60 Feet
- Size: 10–15 ft. in width
- Adaptation Regions: 2 – 7 (USDA)
Northern White Cedar, scientifically named Thuja occidentalis, is a remarkable conifer native to North America. It stands out for its striking foliage and commanding presence.
What catches the eye were its smooth, feathery needles, ranging from deep to light green. Whether bathed in sunlight or partial shade, it always impresses.
This evergreen cedar adds a touch of grace year-round, even when blanketed in deep snow. Its bark, peeling away in small strips during winter, reveals a stunning palette of colors, offering visual intrigue.
This sturdy cedar tree is a valuable addition to any garden and is cherished by landscapers. It’s drought-resistant and thrives in a wide temperature range.
Proper mulch and moisture balance can also be used for fences and decks with minimal worries of rot. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Northern White Cedar fosters a thriving garden ecosystem.
4: Cyprian Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: Up to 80 feet
- Width: Expansive
- Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9 (USDA)
The Cyprian Cedar is a special cedar tree native to the mountainous Mediterranean regions, often called the Cyprus Cedar. It belongs to the esteemed Pinaceae family, highly regarded by conifer enthusiasts.
This particular cedar is one of a kind because it thrives in a diverse variety of growing circumstances, from complete exposure to the sun to some degree of shade. Its dark green leaves and small cones add a constant splash of color to your scenery all year.
For experienced gardeners, the Cyprian Cedar is an excellent choice, as it can easily endure dry conditions. It’s also well-suited for fences and decks, maintaining its lush appearance even in harsh weather, thanks to its dense foliage. Its broad canopy and distinctive bark hues make it a captivating addition to any garden.
5: Eastern White Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Elevation: 40-50 feet
- Size: 10-20 ft. in width
- Adaptation Regions: 2 – 7 (USDA)
Like all true cedars, Eastern White Cedar, a member of the Pinaceae family, finds its home in North America, particularly in wet and boggy areas. Its tall, slim trunk and captivating rifted bark enrich any garden it graces.
The evergreen needles of these plants are a pleasant green that becomes gray-green in winter. The tree’s modest, brown cones add to its beauty. This cedar is champion-worthy for tolerating severe cold.
Cedar is a great hedge or fence material for gardeners. It enjoys full sun but tolerates shade. It thrives in damp circumstances but can endure dry times. Furthermore, It’s good for decks because of its durability.
6: Spanish Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: 65 – 100 feet
- Width: Broad
- Hardiness Zones: 10 – 12 (USDA)
Spanish Cedar, scientifically called Cedrela odorata, is a prized member of the Meliaceae family, lending an exotic touch to any garden. Thriving in the Americas and the Mediterranean, this fast-growing tree is a standout choice.
Its reddish-brown bark and glossy, complex leaves give this cedar a particular sheen. It is ideal for decks, fences, and high-end furniture because of its longevity and termite resistance. Spanish Cedars are evergreen and have clusters of white blossoms that enhance their appearance.
Spanish Cedar is a great addition to any garden owing to its numerous advantages. It thrives in full sun and mild shade and resists drought. This beautiful and aromatic plant makes it a great addition to any outdoor setting.
7: Incense Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: Up to 75 feet
- Width: Expansive
- Hardiness Zones: 5 – 8 (USDA)
Incense Cedar, scientifically known as Calocedrus decurrens, is a magnificent creation of Mother Nature. As a member of the Family Pinaceae, this majestic tree adds grace and beauty to any environment with its impressive height and spread.
When fully grown, these evergreens can reach remarkable heights, becoming a striking vertical feature in your landscape. The genuinely noticeable characteristic of the Incense Cedar is the appearance of its leaf.
Its thick, dark green leaves are reminiscent of scales, which lends an aura of mystery and contributes to the plant’s attraction. The rough, brown bark of the tree, which always retains the aroma of its eponymous namesake, is also a beautiful sight to see.
8: Atlas Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: 40 to 60 feet
- Width: Broad
- Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9 (USDA)
Atlas Cedar, a true Cedrus, graces us from the Atlas Mountains in the Mediterranean. Its grand stature and timeless beauty are the focal point of any landscape.
This evergreen tree, which takes its name from the heights of the Atlas Mountains, maintains its regal stature throughout the year, its needles glistening with silver and its cones strikingly erect. The contrast is provided by its fissure bark, which is gray.
The sun-loving Atlas cedar thrives in zones 6–9. It can tolerate dry periods but grows best on soil that drains properly. It is resistant to damage as a result of the fact that it has deep roots, which makes it an excellent choice for use as a windbreak as well as to prevent erosion.
9: Western Red Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: Varies between 70 and 200 feet or higher
- Width: 15 to 25 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 5 – 7 (USDA)
The Western Red Cedar belongs to the pine family and thrives exclusively in the Pacific Northwest. This evergreen, known for its distinctive pyramidal shape, brings year-round greenery to your garden through its lush leaves.
What truly sets this cedar apart is its fibrous reddish-brown bark, which peels off in large strips. Its petite, fragrant cones emerge from the needles, showcasing a range of subtle green hues. The Western Red Cedar distinguishes it from other woods because of how long it lasts.
Extreme drought resistance is only one example of the exceptional adaptation shown by this authentic cedar species. It is resistant to root rot since it is open to the kind of soil it grows in.
The Western Red Cedar is a beautiful and useful addition to any garden because of its resilience and adaptability.
10: Lebanon Cedar
Source Pinterest
- Height: Up to 130 feet
- Width: Up to 50 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 5 – 7 (USDA)
Lebanon Cedar, scientifically known as Cedrus Libani, is a remarkable representative of the Cedrus genus. Originating in the Mediterranean region, ancient cultures have revered this species for its majestic stature and resilient wood for centuries.
With its imposing height and breadth, this tree makes a dramatic statement in any garden. Its stunning evergreen nature ensures year-round delight, to its lush, dark green leaves. As it ages, the tree’s bark and massive trunk only add to its impressive stature.
As a member of the Cedrus genus and the Pinaceae family, the Lebanon Cedar is celebrated for its durability and strength. It’s a preferred choice for gardeners in zones 5 through 7 due to its resilience against drought and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
The right mulch and watering regimen can withstand ailments like root rot, making it suitable for a wide range of soils. Incorporating the Lebanon Cedar into your garden adds timeless visual appeal and a robust and adaptable element to your outdoor space.