1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. Introduced to Britain in the mid-19th century as an ornamental tree.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen – retains foliage year-round.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Needle-like, 2–3 cm long, borne singly on new shoots and in clusters of 20–40 on short spurs. Bluish-green to silvery-blue in colour.
Bark: Dark grey, becoming fissured and scaly with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male cones are upright, cylindrical, and yellow, releasing pollen in autumn. Female cones are barrel-shaped, 6–10 cm long, green when young, ripening to brown over 2–3 years. Cones disintegrate on the tree to release winged seeds.
Overall shape: Young trees conical; older specimens develop broad, spreading crowns with tiered horizontal branches.
4. Typical Size
20–30 m tall in the UK (can exceed 40 m in native range); spread 12–20 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Planted in Britain in parks, estates, and arboreta. Prefers mild climates, deep soils, and well-drained sites. Less common than Lebanon cedar but widely planted in large landscapes.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Bluish-green to silver foliage in dense clusters.
Tiered, horizontal branching habit.
Barrel-shaped cones that break up on the tree.
More upright than Deodar cedar, less flat-topped than Lebanon cedar.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring/Summer: Evergreen foliage remains fresh blue-green.
Autumn: Male cones release clouds of yellow pollen.
Winter: Retains blue-green foliage; tiered crown structure stands out.
8. Human Uses
Primarily ornamental in Britain, planted for dramatic effect in parks and gardens.
In native range, timber used for construction and furniture.
Cultivated forms used for landscaping, including dwarf and columnar varieties.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides nesting sites for birds and roosts for bats.
Seeds eaten by squirrels and some birds.
Less valuable to invertebrates than native species.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Atlas cedar is one of the three true cedars (Cedrus), along with Lebanon and Deodar cedar.
In Morocco, forests of Atlas cedar are vital habitat for the endangered Barbary macaque.
Known for its ornamental bluish foliage, making it a favourite estate planting in the Victorian era.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils; tolerates loam, sand, and clay if not waterlogged. Slightly acidic to neutral best.
Light: Requires full sun.
Watering: Water regularly in the first 2–3 years; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: 8–12 m apart for specimen trees; allow plenty of space for crown spread.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Stake young trees in exposed sites. Minimal pruning – only remove dead or crossing branches.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Suitable for parks and estates; not for streets or small urban gardens due to size.
Garden: Works well in large gardens, arboreta, or estates as a dramatic specimen tree. Too large for small gardens.