Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodara Play pronunciation

Deodar cedar is a finely textured, needled evergreen tree in the pine family (Pinaceae). It is native to northeastern Afghanistan, western Nepal and northwest India. Its form is pyramidal when young, but its pendulous or weeping branches become wide-spreading as it matures. This tree grows at a moderate rate to 30 to 50 feet in height and 30 to 40 feet in width at maturity. 

Plant it in a rich, well-drained, moist or occasionally dry, sunny location with protection from winds. It can be grown in many soil types with a variety of pH levels. However, it is intolerant of poorly drained wet soils and can be easily damaged by frost. It is resistant to damage by deer and is moderately drought and salt tolerant. Propagate it by seeds. It can be transplanted easily if it has been root pruned. 

Considered to be one of the most graceful conifers, it works well as a specimen or accent tree in landscape groupings, lawns or meadows or as a privacy screen or hedge. Be sure to consider its large mature size when siting a location. Its year-round gray-green color provides interest in a winter garden. 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. 

Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home.  

Quick ID Hints:

• Needles are elongated, pliable and 1 to 2 inches.
• Grayish-green in color, light blue apically.
• Needles multiply on dwarf shoots.
• All Cedrus genus members have new needles that are born singly on stems.
• Needles are triangular to quadrangular in cross-section.
• Male cones are gigantic, erect.
• Female wood barrel-shaped cones sit on top of the branches.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Susceptible to armillaria and phytophthora root rot, sooty mold, beetle borers, pine needle scale and red-headed pine sawfly.

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.