1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to the western Himalayas (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal). Introduced to Britain in the early 19th century as an ornamental tree.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen – retains foliage year-round.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Needle-like, soft and slender, 2.5–5 cm long, borne singly on new shoots and in clusters of 20–30 on short spurs. Bluish-green to grey-green.
Bark: Grey and smooth when young, becoming dark and deeply fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male cones cylindrical, yellow, 5–12 cm long, shedding pollen in autumn. Female cones barrel-shaped, 7–13 cm long, green when young, ripening brown over 2–3 years before disintegrating to release winged seeds.
Overall shape: Conical when young, with a graceful, drooping leader and branches. Mature trees develop broad, spreading crowns, often more irregular than Atlas or Lebanon cedars.
4. Typical Size
20–40 m tall in the UK; spread 10–15 m. Larger in native range (up to 60 m).
5. Habitat & Range
Planted across the UK in parks, estates, and arboreta. Tolerates a range of soils if well-drained, preferring warmer, sheltered sites.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Drooping leader and branches give a graceful, “weeping” appearance.
Soft, bluish-green needles, longer than Atlas or Lebanon cedar.
Broad, spreading habit with age.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring/Summer: Evergreen foliage provides constant cover.
Autumn: Male cones release clouds of yellow pollen.
Winter: Retains bluish foliage; silhouette more striking.
8. Human Uses
Ornamental planting in parks, estates, and large gardens.
In native regions, highly valued timber used for construction, furniture, and temples (durable and aromatic).
Resin used traditionally in medicine and incense.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides shelter and nesting for birds and small mammals.
Seeds eaten by birds and squirrels.
Less invertebrate value than native broadleaves.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
“Deodar” comes from the Sanskrit devadāru, meaning “tree of the gods.”
Sacred in Hinduism, often associated with temples and spiritual sites in the Himalayas.
Introduced to Britain as a fashionable estate tree during 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, or clay if not waterlogged. Neutral to slightly acidic soils best.
Light: Requires full sun; tolerates light shade when young.
Watering: Water regularly in first 2–3 years; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: Allow 8–12 m for specimen planting.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Stake young trees if in exposed sites. Minimal pruning, only to remove dead or damaged wood.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Suitable for parks and large estates; not appropriate for streets or tight spaces due to size.
Garden: Works in very large gardens as an ornamental specimen, prized for graceful habit and colour. Too large for small or medium gardens.