How to identify Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
Atlas cedar exhibits a distinguished appearance with a taller crown compared to its close relatives. The foliage ranges from blue to a striking very blue shade. Its needles are notably short, stiff, and emerge in multiples from dwarf shoots. Each of these needles has a triangular to quadrangular cross-section, a unique trait amongst its genus. Atlas cedar produces distinctive barrel-shaped cones, female in nature, that rest atop the branches. The needles' singular formation on stems further aids in the identification of this species.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Needles have a triangular to quadrangular cross-section, unique in genus.
Female cones are barrel-shaped, rest on branches, and lack petals.
Leaves are bluish-green to silvery-blue, in tufted clusters.
Stems are brown to gray, with stiff, horizontal branching.
Trunk matures into boxed bark pattern with deep, rectangular fissures.
The leaves of atlas cedar are small needles, measuring 0.7-1.5 inches (1.8-3.8 cm) in length. They exhibit a bluish-green to silvery-blue hue and vary from light green to bright green. These rigid needles are grouped in fascicles, each containing 10-30 needles. They are curved towards the tip and form tufted clusters, contributing to the plant's distinct appearance.
The flowers of atlas cedar are represented by separate male and female cones. Male cones are small, cylindrical, and measure about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length, releasing pollen in late summer to early autumn. Female cones are larger, erect, and ovoid, growing up to 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm). They develop on the upper branches and reach maturity over two years, turning from green to a woody brown. The absence of petals is a key identifying feature.
The stem of atlas cedar is characterized by its brown to gray coloration and stiff, horizontal main branches. When young, the branching is relatively sparse, giving it an open appearance. As it matures, the branching pattern remains horizontal and becomes denser. The stems are thick and robust, contributing to the overall rigid structure of the plant. These features, including the color and branching pattern, are crucial for identifying atlas cedar.
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Scientific Classification of Atlas cedar
