13 Lush Types Of Cedar Trees That Are Great For Privacy
While many people assume that all cedar trees are interchangeable, there are actually numerous species with distinct characteristics that set them apart. For instance, when looking for a tree that provides year-round foliage, privacy screening, and ornamental value, certain types of cedar trees shine. Rather than being a one-size-fits-all option, these evergreen trees can be categorized into various sub-species, each boasting unique traits that make them well-suited to specific applications.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most popular types of cedar trees, exploring their differences and helping you choose the perfect specimen for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Cedar trees, while sharing a common name among several species, possess distinct characteristics that make them valuable for various purposes. Notably, they are evergreen and reliable options for creating privacy screens and windbreaks. With a global distribution spanning diverse regions, many cedar tree varieties bear names that reflect their geographical origins.
Furthermore, the wood harvested from these trees is highly sought after for construction and woodworking projects, underscoring its importance. As with any tree species, both naturally occurring and cultivated cedar varieties are available for cultivation in personal yards, offering a range of options for gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.
13 Various Types of Cedar Trees that Give You Plenty of Options to Choose From
Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis)
While Alaska may be known for its frigid temperatures, the state is also home to a unique type of cedar tree – the Alaskan yellow cedar, or Cupressus nootkatensis. This variety thrives in the cold northern climate and is often found throughout the region. The native range of this stunning tree extends into Canada’s west coast and the Pacific Northwest United States, making it a rare find outside of its natural habitat.
Despite being less common elsewhere, the Alaskan yellow cedar is undeniably attractive with its rigid trunk and branches that support pendulous foliage in a loose pyramidal shape.
Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) stands out from other cedar species with its striking light blue, almost silvery, foliage. One of only four true cedars without ‘cedar’ in their common name, this majestic tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide at maturity, boasting a pyramidal shape reminiscent of many cedar varieties. Its unconventional coloration is indeed one reason why several cultivars of the Atlas Cedar have been developed, with many of these emphasizing its unique blue hue.
Bermuda Cedar (Juniperus bermudiana)
While many people associate cedar trees with mountainous regions or a particular color palette, this perception may be largely due to the fact that several popular cedar varieties originate from these environments. However, there are other types of cedars that thrive in warmer climates near the ocean, such as the Bermuda cedar. This tree, although not botanically considered a true cedar, is an attractive evergreen option featuring a sturdy trunk and irregular canopy of branches and foliage.
Unfortunately, the Bermuda cedar is also a critically endangered species, making it all the more crucial to plant it now before its numbers decline further.
Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’)
The Blue Atlas Cedar marks our transition from the world of wild cedars to cultivated varieties. This stunning cultivar, Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’, is a testament to the incredible diversity that can be achieved through selective breeding. Building on the original Atlas Cedar’s natural charm, this variety takes its signature blueish-silver foliage to new heights of vibrancy, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a show-stopping centerpiece.
While its leaves may be the most striking feature, the Blue Atlas Cedar shares many characteristics with its wild counterpart, including a robust growth habit and impressive scale-like foliage.
Cyprian Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)
The second type of true cedar, the Cyprian cedar, stands at a slightly shorter height than its predecessor, reaching a mature size of around 40 feet. Its overall shape remains loosely pyramidal, similar to the atlas cedar’s silhouette. However, the Cyprian cedar tree sets itself apart from other varieties through its unique foliage characteristics. The needles are small and densely packed, growing tightly against the stem from which they emerge, imparting a fine and airy texture to the canopy.
This distinct quality separates the Cyprian cedar from its counterparts, making it a notable addition to the world of true cedars.
Deodar Cedar Tree (Cedrus deodara)
The deodar cedar tree, scientifically known as Cedrus deodara, is another prominent member of the true cedar family. Its evergreen foliage boasts rigid and slender needles that form a distinctive pyramidal canopy with a subtle grayish tint. While the leaves are certainly striking, it’s the cones that truly set this species apart. Standing upright, they point towards the sky like nature’s own sculptures.
Each cone is an intricate marvel, featuring numerous layers that create a visually stunning appearance.
Eastern Red Cedar Tree (Juniperus virginiana)
While not a true cedar, the Eastern Red Cedar is often the most well-known species with ‘cedar’ in its common name. This evergreen tree’s exceptional beauty makes it an excellent choice for hedges or specimen plants in your garden. Its dense, sharp foliage forms a tight, conical shape, which can sometimes take on a reddish hue. However, the real showstopper is the tree’s fruit – small, vibrant blue clusters that appear annually, providing striking contrast to its lush foliage.
Golden Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara ‘Aurea’)
The theme of cultivated versions continues with the deodar cedar, which boasts a prominent cultivar known as the golden deodar cedar or Cedrus deodara ‘Aurea’. Unlike many other cedars on this list and in the world, the golden deodar cedar tree is relatively diminutive, reaching heights of around 20 feet. This makes it an excellent option for those with limited growing space, as it doesn’t require the expansive room needed by larger cedars.
Furthermore, the golden deodar cedar’s foliage differs significantly from that of other cedars, and its unique characteristics are the inspiration behind its common name. The tree’s foliage is characterized by a striking golden hue that gradually transitions to a rich green as it ages.
Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)
The California incense cedar, a species of remarkable adaptability, thrives on the west coast of the United States. Its growth habit is strikingly varied – while some trees may reach 15 feet tall, others can soar to over 100 feet in height. However, this impressive stature takes time to develop, as the incense cedar tree is a slow-growing species. This very characteristic makes it relatively easy to care for and manage, a major advantage for gardeners.
Furthermore, incense cedar trees are surprisingly resilient to drought, making them an attractive option for those living in arid regions with limited rainfall.
Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
While many cedar trees boast stunning beauty, the Japanese cedar stands out for its vibrant characteristics. One notable feature is its foliage, which boasts a surprising brightness due to its subtle yellow undertones despite being predominantly green. The seed cones of this tree are also visually striking, with small clusters dangling from branches and a spiky texture that adds visual interest.
Additionally, the bark of the Japanese cedar tree is a true showstopper, featuring long peeling strips that continue to separate as the tree grows. While initially light brown in color, it can develop yellowish-orange accents over time, further enhancing its appeal.
Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani)
The fourth and final true cedar species is the majestic Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani), which is arguably the most recognizable cedar globally. Its popularity stems from a combination of factors – its striking appearance, abundance in certain regions, and prominent placement on Lebanon’s national flag as a bold emblem. Native to Lebanon and surrounding Mediterranean coastal areas, the Lebanese cedar thrives in its natural habitat.
Under ideal conditions, these trees can grow up to 100 feet tall or more, with expansive canopies that span wider relative to their height than many other cedar species.
Siberian Cedar (Pinus sibirica)
In contrast to its common name suggesting affiliation with true cedars, the Siberian cedar tree actually belongs to the pine family. This distinction is reflected in its botanical name, featuring the genus Pinus. Native to Eurasia, this species thrives in forested landscapes, characterized by a slender yet tall profile. One of the key factors enabling the Siberian cedar’s widespread distribution is its remarkable resilience to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and winter weather.
This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for regions experiencing similar climatic challenges, rendering care for this plant relatively effortless.
White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
The white cedar, also known as arborvitae, rounds off our list as one of the most widely used landscaping shrubs in general, alongside being a popular choice for residential and commercial landscapes. Its widespread adoption stems from its dependable nature, ease of care, and exceptional ability to block wind, sound, and sight lines. While it’s not a true cedar species, its common association with the term ‘cedar’ earns it a spot on our list.
With ample sunlight, this versatile shrub will thrive, requiring minimal maintenance in return. Its low-maintenance profile makes it an attractive option for homeowners and landscapers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Trees
What is the Purpose of a Cedar Tree?
Cedar trees are a versatile plant species that offer numerous benefits, making them a valuable addition to any setting. Not only do they serve as stunning ornamental evergreens, but their needled foliage also enables them to perform functional roles, such as blocking wind or unwanted views and sounds. Furthermore, the wood of cedar trees holds immense commercial value, being highly prized in the construction industry.
This diverse range of uses has contributed to their enduring popularity over several centuries, solidifying their position as a beloved plant species.
Is Cedar a Pine?
Are Cypress and Cedar the Same?
While cypress and cedar trees may appear distinct at first glance, they do share a common thread. Both species belong to the Cupressaceae family, which means they’re distantly related despite their physical differences. This familial connection is reflected in their shared characteristics. For instance, both types of trees are evergreen, retaining their needle-like foliage year-round.
Another similarity lies in their value – both cypress and cedar trees are highly prized for their ornamental and commercial uses, with many garden landscapes featuring these species and the lumber industry relying on their wood.
Is Cedar the Tree of Live?
While people often casually refer to certain tree types as the ‘tree of life’, one species stands out from the rest. The eastern arborvitae, also known simply as the arborvitae, holds this esteemed title despite not being a true cedar. This distinction is rooted in its rich history and significance. In fact, the eastern arborvitae has been recognized for its medicinal properties since before European settlers arrived in the eastern United States, where it is native.
Its Latin name, ‘tree of life’, aptly reflects its importance, underscoring its role as a source of valuable materials with healing properties.
What Country is Known for Cedar?
Cedar trees are an integral part of many landscapes worldwide, with their widespread presence making them a staple in various countries. However, some nations have a particularly strong affinity for these trees, and Lebanon is a prime example. Not only does the country boast its own unique species of cedar, known as the Lebanese cedar, but this majestic tree also holds a special place on the Lebanese flag, serving as an official emblem.
This visual representation alone underscores Lebanon’s deep connection to cedar trees, making it stand out from other countries. For those with a keen interest in cedar trees, the preceding information may have only scratched the surface of their curiosity. In fact, this thirst for knowledge is often prevalent regardless of one’s level of experience with these trees.
To satiate this demand, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cedar trees, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this remarkable plant group.
13 Vibrant Types of Cedar Trees that Are More Impressive than You Would Ever Expect
With their global origins and diverse varieties, cedar trees are a testament to nature’s incredible range and complexity. By exploring this realm of possibility, readers have gained a newfound appreciation for these remarkable trees. As we’ve journeyed through the world of cedars, our aim has been not only to enlighten but also to empower – to provide the knowledge and insight necessary for making an informed choice when selecting the perfect cedar tree.
Whether you’re embarking on this process now or in the future, our comprehensive overview aims to serve as a trusted companion, guiding your decision-making with its carefully curated selection of the best types of cedar trees.