10+ Different Types Of Cedar Trees & Wood With Identification (True And Faux Varieties)

The cedar tree is a symbol-rich and culturally significant species, but it’s often confused with its pine, spruce, and juniper relatives. In fact, some misconceptions have become so ingrained that they’ve even clustered them into a ‘cedar’ brand called faux cedars. To set the record straight, it’s essential to explore the various types of cedar trees and their distinct characteristics.

Despite its cultural importance, cedar is often overshadowed by its commercial significance.

Its durability and longevity make it an attractive source material for many industries. However, this abundance has led to widespread misconceptions about what constitutes a ‘true’ cedar tree.

So, let’s dive into the world of cedar trees and explore their differences. We’ll examine the characteristics that define each species, from the majestic Atlas Cedar to the Incense Cedar found in California.

How many species of cedar are there?

While there may be many types of cedar trees, it’s fascinating to note that there are only four species that truly belong to the Cedrus genus – the Atlas Cedar, the Cyprian Cedar, the Cedar of Lebanon, and the Deodar Cedar. These true cedars stand out from the rest, which are actually classified as false cedars and fall within the Cypress family. This distinction highlights the unique characteristics that set these four species apart from the others.

What does cedar smell like?

The scent of freshly sharpened pencils may evoke memories of walking through a forest filled with cedar trees. This is no coincidence, as the majority of pencils are made from cedars. However, if you were to stand before a live cedar tree, you would be treated to a more complex aroma profile, featuring notes of evergreen freshness and resinous undertones emanating from its bark. The culprit behind this aromatic experience is thujaplicin, a compound present in the tree’s natural oils.

Cedar tree leaves

Cedars are distinguished by their distinctive, densely clustered needle-like foliage that spirally wraps around its branches. The leaf colors range from a deep, rich green to subtle blue and silver undertones in certain specimens. Interestingly, the leaf coloration is directly influenced by the thickness of the natural wax coating, which plays a crucial role in retaining moisture within the leaves themselves.

This adaptive feature allows cedars to thrive in dry soil conditions and arid climates, giving them their characteristic pyramid-like silhouette.

Cedar tree needles

While it’s common for people to believe that cedars lack needles, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Like pines and spruces, cedars are indeed equipped with needles. A notable aspect of cedar needles is their ability to function as natural mulch, particularly in soil that requires acidity. In addition to enriching the soil with essential nutrients, cedar needles also possess a unique property – they repel various pests such as beetles, ants, moths and even cockroaches.

Cedar tree identification

While it may be tempting to categorize cedar trees as simply a type of pine due to their similar needle shape, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. To accurately identify a cedar tree, we’ll explore three key features: its needle structure, cone arrangement, and bark coloration.

Cedar needles grow in fine clusters, unlike pines and spruces which have longer, more prominent extensions.

These clusters create a dense arrangement along the branches, often with a blue tinge at youth that matures to a rich green. Additionally, cedar cones typically sit atop the tree’s branches rather than being scattered throughout.

In terms of bark coloration, cedars have a relatively limited palette compared to pines and spruces. Their bark is generally light brown, maroon, or yellow-brown, which is also lighter in hue than its pine or spruce counterparts.

Finally, from a botanical standpoint, true cedar species belong to the genus Cedrus, while ‘faux cedars’ are actually junipers or cypresses. In the broader classification, cedars are grouped under the family Pinaceae alongside pines, spruces, firs, and junipers.

True cedar trees vs faux cedar trees

True cedars, belonging to the Cedrus family, are a rare breed with only four species. Their natural habitats are limited to the Mediterranean and Himalayan regions, where they thrive amidst unique climatic conditions. Characterized by short branches and fine, needle-like foliage, these majestic trees are also distinguished by their woody spurs and imposing cones.

While they may not be commonly cultivated as ornamentals, their value lies in their versatility for woodworking and construction projects.

In a fascinating twist, the term ‘faux cedar’ is often applied to cypresses in the Pacific Northwest due to their uncanny resemblance to true cedars.

These trees share three distinct characteristics that warrant this classification: the potent aroma of their natural oils and wood linings, the retention of small seed cones on their crowns even after the seeds have matured, and the peculiar arrangement of their leaves – small, overlapping scales resembling ferns.

True cedar trees

While earlier discussions touched on the subject, it’s worth reiterating that genuine cedars are a rare and precious find, with only four species in existence. These majestic trees can be found thriving in the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. What sets them apart from their lesser-known counterparts is their impressive stature, exceptional wood quality, and high value for construction purposes.

Furthermore, their overall appearance is unmistakable, making identification a relatively straightforward process.

Cyprian Cedar (Cedrus Brevifolia)

Native to Cyprus, Turkey, and Syria, this cedar species is also known as the Yellow Cedar due to its distinctive umbrella-like shape. One of the rarest cedars in existence, it boasts small, rounded, deep green needles and minuscule seed cones. Its unique features make it a stunning specimen tree for winter landscaping, offering a beautiful focal point for any outdoor space.

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

This majestic species, native to the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, may take time to reach its full potential, but can grow up to an impressive 60 feet at maturity. Notably, it thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade and is surprisingly resilient when faced with extended droughts.

Despite being a slow-growing tree, it has earned popularity among horticulturists and craftsmen alike.

Its striking silver-blue-green foliage adds a touch of elegance to any landscape, making it a sought-after specimen tree. Moreover, its versatility extends beyond ornamental purposes, as it is also prized for the production of aromatic oils and valued for its durable wood in furniture-making.

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)

The majestic cedar, a symbol of national pride in Lebanon, is also native to Turkey, Afghanistan, and Syria. Its unique appearance features a pyramid-like shape with long, deep green needles that evoke a sense of grandeur. The tree’s historical significance cannot be overstated, as its wood was highly valued for building boats in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, and Mesopotamia.

Archaeological discoveries have also confirmed the cedar’s prominent role in biblical history, solidifying its reputation as one of the most revered species. In Lebanon, it remains an important resource, prized for both its timber and naturally fragrant oils that evoke a sense of timelessness. The tree’s legacy extends to archaic palaces, including those built by King David and King Solomon, cementing its status as a true marvel of nature.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

In ancient Sanskrit, this majestic tree was referred to as the ‘timber of the gods’, a testament to its revered status. Its unique characteristic is its weeping habit, where the needles droop downwards, giving it a distinctive appearance. Reaching towering heights of 80 feet and boasting a sturdy base of 40 feet, this conifer stands tall. Notably, its finer needles are a deeper blue-green hue than those of most cedars, making it all the more striking.

This tree is not only a prized source of timber and woodwork, but also cultivated as a popular Christmas tree. Furthermore, it holds a special place in Pakistan’s heritage, serving as the country’s national tree.

Faux (False) Cedar Trees

While not belonging to the true cedar family, faux cedars have earned their name due to a striking resemblance in terms of their woody and aromatic characteristics. Like their genuine cedar counterparts, faux cedars are evergreen conifers that retain their leaves year-round. Interestingly, they also share similarities with cypresses and junipers, often being referred to by these names as well.

Spanish Cedar (Cedrela Odorata)

While the Spanish Cedar may not be as widely recognized in every US region, its exceptional lightweight properties make it a highly sought-after wood for crafting furniture, cabinets, windows, and other interior fixtures. The tree’s natural oils also contribute to its enduring popularity among woodworkers. A striking pink-brown hue is another distinctive feature of this versatile timber.

Moreover, the Spanish Cedar boasts impressive resistance to pests, diseases, and decay, ensuring it remains a durable choice for various woodworking applications.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

The Pacific Cedar, also known as the cypress, is a remarkable species that boasts impressive physical characteristics. It’s capable of reaching staggering heights of up to 200 feet, making it the tallest-growing cypress on record. Moreover, this resilient tree can thrive for an astonishing 1,000 years or more, defying the conventional notion of a tree’s lifespan. One of its most distinctive features is its deep-green, dense foliage that emits a unique scent reminiscent of pineapples.

Its natural resistance to diseases has led to its commercial value in the timber and wood industry, where it’s prized for crafting sturdy fences, decks, and sheds.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis)

Native to the Pacific Northwest region, which includes Alaska and British Columbia, the cedar tree boasts a distinctive characteristic – its dense and sturdy wood has a unique yellow hue. Moreover, this species is known for its slow growth rate, evident in its tight-knit wood rings. This peculiar feature sets it apart from other cedars.

The wood’s properties have made it a sought-after choice for construction purposes, particularly for building interior panels that require durability and acoustical clarity. Its popularity also extends to the music industry, where it is prized for producing a rich, distinct acoustic effect.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

While part of the Cypress family, this cedar species earns its nickname ‘Aromatic Cedar’ due to its distinctive woody aroma. Its remarkable durability yields a robust wood prized for timber, woodworking, and construction projects alike. Furthermore, it’s valued for its versatility in extracting linseed oils.

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

The Arbor Vitae tree, affectionately known as the Tree of Life, boasts a unique set of characteristics that make it an excellent choice for various applications. Its wood is notably lighter than red cedar, making it simpler to work with when crafting furniture. Moreover, its versatility extends beyond furniture-making, as it’s also utilized in construction projects such as building fences, posts, and decks.

This hardy and disease-resistant species is further distinguished by its attractive features, including creamy-brown bark, deep-green foliage, and a striking pyramid-like silhouette.

Incense cedar/California incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

Native to the US, this species is most commonly found in Nevada, Oregon, and California. Its distinctive name stems from the pungent woody aroma that becomes particularly pronounced during warmer climates.

This adaptable tree boasts an impressive stature, capable of reaching heights of up to 75ft with a broad base spanning approximately 15ft. Notably, it thrives in open parks where its striking maroon wood and lush, rich green needles serve as a distinguishing feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is red cedar better than white cedar?

While red and white cedar share some striking similarities, their differences become apparent when considering their uses. Both boast a woody aroma reminiscent of attics or closets, as well as similar surface grains and durability due to their resistance to disease and decay. However, when it comes to choosing the better wood, the answer depends on the intended application. Red cedar is renowned for its exceptional quality, often used in high-end applications like roofing, decking, and fencing.

Its lightweight properties also make it a popular choice for crafting guitar soundboards, which provide guitars with a warm, deep tone. Additionally, red cedar is cultivated as ornamental trees for hedges and for the production of natural oils that deter moths and beetles. In contrast, white cedar is characterized by its finer grain and lighter weight, making it well-suited for roofing, sidewalls, and decking applications.

Its prominence in the timber and construction industry stems from its versatility, being used for poles, lumber production, and fencing. Notably, white cedar outlasts red cedar while also boasting a more ecological footprint. Meanwhile, red cedar is sturdier but often comes in larger pieces, whereas white cedar’s smaller size belies its impressive durability.

Is cedar an evergreen?

While cedars are often compared to other evergreen conifers like spruce, fir, and pine trees, they possess some unique characteristics that set them apart. One notable feature is their needle-like leaves, which remain a vibrant green throughout the year. Additionally, cedars boast large trunks and seed cones situated atop their majestic canopies. Their branches are sturdy and angular, allowing them to reach impressive heights while also boasting an impressive lifespan.

Cedar tree vs pine tree

While both pine and cedar trees belong to the Pinaceae family and are widely cultivated due to their versatility in construction and woodworks, they exhibit distinct characteristics that warrant attention. One notable distinction lies in their foliage arrangements. Pines typically display needles grouped in bundles (often featuring 2-5 needles per bundle), whereas cedars showcase upright, short branches bearing alternating, rounded, needle-like leaves.

The bark of pines is characterized by a scaly and darker-toned texture (ranging from brown or black-brown to burgundy hues), contrasting with the finer and lighter-colored barks found on cedar trees (often featuring pink, light brown, or maroon tones). Moreover, the cones of these two conifers differ significantly. Pines tend to have drooping cones dispersed throughout their branches, whereas cedars are distinguished by medium-sized, very scaly seed cones situated atop their branches.

Cedar tree vs juniper tree

In their early years, cedars bear a striking resemblance to junipers, with similarities in scale-like leaves and pointed tips. However, as they mature, their height becomes a defining characteristic, with junipers remaining relatively short and often cultivated as shrubs. In contrast, cedars can grow to significant heights. The aromatic scent of cedars is another distinct feature that sets them apart from junipers.

While both species have needle-like foliage, the cones of cedars are harder and more scaly, whereas those of junipers are fleshy and berry-like – a characteristic that finds its way into gin production. Interestingly, some well-known juniper varieties, such as the Eastern Red Cedar and the Bermuda Cedar, are often mistakenly referred to as cedars.

Cedar tree care

Once your cedar tree has reached maturity, the bulk of your care responsibilities will shift from frequent maintenance to simple upkeep. The primary focus will be on preserving moisture and ensuring the tree remains healthy. This requires minimal attention during most seasons, with the exception of planting and the initial seedling phase. To maintain optimal moisture levels, you’ll need to apply a thick layer of organic mulch, ideally up to 5 inches deep.

Additionally, during periods of harsh weather or low temperatures, consider covering your cedar tree with landscape fabric to protect it from drying out. Sustained watering will also be crucial at this stage, but be sure to wait until the soil is completely dry before reapplying water. In terms of fertilization, you can disregard adding nutrients to the soil unless it appears unhealthy or in need of supplementation.

As your cedar tree grows and matures, you’ll primarily focus on regular mulching and removing any dead branches that may appear. Once your tree reaches a height of 6-8 feet, it will begin to thrive on its own, gradually reaching full maturity.

Cedar tree diseases

While cedar trees are renowned for their durability, even the decay-free varieties are not immune to certain vulnerabilities. The most prevalent cedar tree diseases include blights characterized by black or white needle tips, withering, and premature shedding. Additionally, rusts can manifest as clumped galls on branches, although they tend to cause less harm compared to other trees, still requiring some level of intervention.

Mold, on the other hand, can lead to yellowing or browning leaves accompanied by excessive shedding, while root rots are often visible through white spots on the bark. To address these issues, fungicide sprays can be employed as they are all fungal-based. However, if left unchecked before maturity, soil amendments and watering schedules may also need to be adjusted. Interestingly, once cedar trees reach maturity, they tend to become less susceptible to disease.

Conclusion

In summary, the value of cedar trees is multifaceted. We’ve already explored their distinct characteristics compared to junipers and pines. It’s equally important to recognize that there are only four species of true cedars, which are exclusively found in the Himalayas and Mediterranean regions. This categorization is crucial, as many trees labelled as cedars are actually cypresses or other species. Moreover, it’s essential to dispel common misconceptions, such as junipers not being cedars.

Furthermore, cedar trees hold significant historical, biblical, and economic importance, with applications in construction, woodworks, the music industry, and natural oils. These factors contribute to their enduring value and relevance.

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