Atlas Cedar
Cedrus atlantica
Also listed as Abies atlantica, Cedrus africana
Also known as Algerian Cedar, Mount Atlas Cedar, North Africa Cedar
Climate Match for your location
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Atlas Cedar is a majestic, large evergreen conifer with blue-green needles and an elegant pyramidal form that spreads with maturity. It is a drought-tolerant tree suitable for large landscapes and provides striking ornamental value year-round.
Why grow it
Atlas Cedar offers stronger cold hardiness than Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) in temperate climates while maintaining similar drought tolerance once established. Its relatively narrow form compared to other large conifers makes it suitable for landscapes where space is limited but year-round structure and scale are desired. The blue-green foliage provides distinctive color variation compared to standard green conifers like spruce or fir.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first few growing seasons despite eventual drought tolerance, so establishment care differs from mature performance. In areas with poorly draining clay soils, root rot can occur even in drought-adapted specimens. The tree's eventual size (often 40-60 feet) requires careful siting to avoid conflicts with utilities, structures, or neighboring plants as it matures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native Range
Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Atlas Cedar is a majestic, large evergreen conifer with blue-green needles and an elegant pyramidal form that spreads with maturity. It is a drought-tolerant tree suitable for large landscapes and provides striking ornamental value year-round.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Atlas Cedar grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Atlas Cedar offers stronger cold hardiness than Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) in temperate climates while maintaining similar drought tolerance once established. Its relatively narrow form compared to other large conifers makes it suitable for landscapes where space is limited but year-round structure and scale are desired. The blue-green foliage provides distinctive color variation compared to standard green conifers like spruce or fir.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first few growing seasons despite eventual drought tolerance, so establishment care differs from mature performance. In areas with poorly draining clay soils, root rot can occur even in drought-adapted specimens. The tree's eventual size (often 40-60 feet) requires careful siting to avoid conflicts with utilities, structures, or neighboring plants as it matures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native Range
Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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