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Cedrus atlantica - (Endl.)Carrière.

Common Name Atlas Deodar, Atlantic cedar
Family Pinaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Upper slopes of the Atlas mountains where there is little or no rain in the growing season but the soil is fed by the melting snow from the peaks above[200].
Range N. Africa - Morocco and Algeria.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Cedrus atlantica Atlas Deodar, Atlantic cedar


Cedrus atlantica Atlas Deodar, Atlantic cedar
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jerzystrzelecki

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Cedrus atlantica is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in September, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. atlantica. (Endlicher.)Manetti ex Carriére.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antidandruff  Antifungal  Antiseptic  Nervine  Pectoral  Skin

An essential oil obtained from the distilled branches is a good antiseptic and fungicide that stimulates the circulatory and respiratory systems and also calms the nerves[238]. The oil is also astringent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative[254]. Diluted with a carrier oil such as almond, and massaged into the skin it is used in the treatment of skin diseases, ulcers, chest infections, catarrh, cystitis and dandruff[4, 238, 254]. It is used as an inhalant for treating bronchitis, tuberculosis and nervous tension[4, 238]. An infusion of the branches can also be used[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential  Hedge  Hedge  Repellent  Wood

An essential oil obtained from the distilled branches is used in perfumery, notably in jasmine-scented soaps[238]. The essential oil also repels insects[238]. Plants can be grown as a tall hedge[29]. Wood - fragrant and durable[238]. It is prized for joinery and veneer and is also used in construction[61, 238]. It is also used for making insect-repellent articles for storing textiles[238].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Hedge  Hedge  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives on most soils, being very tolerant of chalk, dry sites and of drought when it is established[11, 81, 200]. Prefers a rich loam or a sandy clay in full sun[1]. This species is more tolerant of atmospheric pollution than other members of the genus[11]. Succeeds in warm dry areas with less than 40cm of rain a year, but also in areas with cool summers and up to 200cm of rain[200]. Small trees less than 50cm tall establish much quicker and better than taller trees, those more than 2 metres tall are difficult to establish[200]. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200]. Trees grow fairly rapidly, with height gains of 60cm in a year recorded[185]. This species is cultivated for its timber in some parts of S. Europe[50]. Small male cones are formed on the lower branches of trees, whilst the larger female cones are formed on higher branches[238]. These female cones persist on the tree for 2 - 3 years before breaking up[238]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - collect the cones in winter and keep in a warm room until they open[1]. Sow immediately in a cold frame[78]. One report says that a short cold stratification of one month improves germination rates[113]. Keep the seed pot moist, but be careful because the young seedlings are very prone to damp off, keep them well ventilated[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors[K]. Cuttings of terminal shoots can be tried in a frame in November but they are very difficult[113].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Atlantic cedar

Native Range

AFRICA: Algeria (Atlas Mts.), Morocco (Atlas Mts.)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Calocedrus decurrensIncense Cedar, California Incense CedarTree15.0 5-8 SLMHSNDM112
Cedrus deodaraDeodar, Deodar cedarTree33.0 7-9 MLMHNDM023
Cedrus libaniCedar Of LebanonTree30.0 5-8 SLMHNDM113
Cyathodes oxycedrus  0.0 -  LMHSNM00 
Juniperus oxycedrusPrickly Juniper, Cade juniperTree15.0 8-10 MLMHNDM012
Libocedrus bidwillii Tree20.0 7-10 SLMHSNM002
Libocedrus plumosaKawakaTree9.0 7-10 SLMHSNM002
Libocedrus uvifera Tree20.0 6-9 SLMHSNM002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Cedrus atlantica

Administrator .

Mar 17 2011 12:00AM

Planted a small specimen at the millenium, a slow starter but now in 2011, it's about nine feet tall. The site, in Inverness-shire, is at 1200 feet elevation, subject to Summer drought and Winter temperatures below minus 20. Excellent choice of tree for the site, a Deodar was originally contemplated but probably wouldn't have survived. FJM.

Author

(Endl.)Carrière.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

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