Common Name: Atlas Deodar

General Information

Cedrus atlantica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall.
The tree has been heavily exploited over several centuries for its strong durable timber, which is used locally and also traded. The tree is also a source of essential oils that are distilled from the timber and foliage on a commercial basis for medicinal use and various other purposes. The tree is cultivated for its timber in some parts of southern Europe[], and is grown as an ornamental where it is sometimes used to form a tall hedge[].
Cedrus atlantica is found in seven main locations in the western Mediterranean. Range wide declines of up to 75% in area of occupancy are estimated to have occurred between 1940 and 1982. Recent droughts have led to further declines in many parts of its range and it is likely that they will continue if the regional climate continues to become more arid. Outbreaks of pests and diseases have exacerbated the situation. Without proper control measures in place these negative effects are likely to continue. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

N. Africa - Morocco and Algeria

Habitat

Upper slopes of the Atlas mountains where there is little or no rain in the growing season but the soil is fed by the melting snow from the peaks above[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cedrus atlantica is a somewhat cold-hardy plant, tolerating winter temperatures falling occasionally as low as -8°c. It succeeds in warm dry areas with less than 400mm of rain a year, but is also found in areas with cool summers and up to 2,000mm of rain[, ].
Thrives on most soils, being very tolerant of chalk, dry sites and of drought when it is established[, , ]. Prefers a rich loam or a sandy clay in full sun[]. This species is more tolerant of atmospheric pollution than other members of the genus[].
Small trees less than 50cm tall establish much quicker and better than taller trees, those more than 2 metres tall are difficult to establish[]. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[].
Trees grow fairly rapidly, with height gains of 60cm in a year recorded[].
Small male cones are formed on the lower branches of trees, whilst the larger female cones are formed on higher branches[]. These female cones persist on the tree for 2 - 3 years before breaking up[].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An essential oil obtained from the distilled branches is a good antiseptic and fungicide that stimulates the circulatory and respiratory systems and also calms the nerves[]. The oil is also astringent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative[].
Diluted with a carrier oil such as almond, and massaged into the skin it is used in the treatment of skin diseases, ulcers, chest infections, catarrh, cystitis and dandruff[, , ].
t is used as an inhalant for treating bronchitis, tuberculosis and nervous tension[, ].
An infusion of the branches can also be used[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a tall hedge[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the distilled branches is used in perfumery, notably in jasmine-scented soaps[]. The essential oil also repels insects[].

Wood - fragrant and durable[]. It is prized for joinery and veneer and is also used in construction[, ]. It is also used for making insect-repellent articles for storing textiles[].

Propagation

Seed - collect the cones in winter and keep in a warm room until they open[]. Sow immediately in a cold frame[]. One report says that a short cold stratification of one month improves germination rates[]. Keep the seed pot moist, but be careful because the young seedlings are very prone to damp off, keep them well ventilated[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors[].
Cuttings of terminal shoots can be tried in a frame in late autumn but they are very difficult[].