Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

'Glauca' is a large showy evergreen conifer from the pine family (Pinaceae).  Also known as blue atlas cedar, a waxy coating on the needles gives them the steely bluish cast for which it is known. Often used as a specimen tree, it has an open pyramidal form with the lower branches spreading to about half the trees' height. Giving it enough space to grow without pruning is ideal, as it will allow it to show off the irregular, open pyramidal form from top to bottom. The specific epithet, glauca, refers to its blue needles.

The preferred growing conditions for pines are an acidic, well-drained loam. However, it can tolerate alkaline, sandy and clay soils, with good drainage  It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Growing rapidly when young, its growth slows down as it matures. It typically grows to a height of 60 feet, but can reach up to 100 feet. Mature trees are drought-resistant as long as they are located in an area where their roots are not restricted by space. Pruning the lower branches has a tendency to make the tree take on a misshapen appearance. 

The steel blue needles and architectural structure make it an attractive specimen tree, but it can also be used as a barrier or as part of a privacy screen. 

Cedrus is often grown in lawns or meadows to allow for full unimpeded growth.

Quick ID: 

• All Cedrus genus members have new needles that are born singly on stems
• Needles in the Glauca group have a bluish cast
• Needles are triangular to quadrangular in cross-section
• Female woody barrel-shaped cones sit on top of the branches
• Difficult to transplant

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant issues.  In poorly drained soil, tip blight, root rot and black scale can occur.  Sap-suckers are known to riddle the trunk with small holes, but do not cause significant damage.  

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.

More information on Cedrus atlantica.