Botanical Classification
The Atlas Cedar , scientifically known as Cedrus atlantica , belong to the Pinaceae family , which includes true pine , firs , spruce , and other conifers . It is part of the genus Cedrus , encompassing dependable cedar such as the Lebanon Cedar ( Cedrus libani ) and Deodar Cedar ( Cedrus deodara ) . Commonly referred to as the Atlas Cedar or blue Atlas Cedar ( especially for the glaucous cultivar ‘ Glauca ’ ) , Cedrus atlantica is an evergreen coniferous tree valued for its cosmetic and ecological qualities . Its classification within the monastic order Pinales places it among ancient conifers , with a lineage tracing back to the Tertiary period of time . The coinage name “ atlantica ” mull over its aboriginal range in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa .
History
The Atlas Cedar has a significant history link to North African ecosystem and European horticulture . Native to the Atlas Mountains , it was revered by Berber communities for its durable wood and resin , used in structure and traditional medicine . Introduced to Europe in the other 19th one C , it advance popularity in Victorian gardens for its stately form and chance on blue - unripened foliage , particularly the ‘ Glauca ’ cultivar . By the twentieth C , it became a staple fibre in cosmetic landscaping across Europe and North America . Its ecological role in stabilise hilly soil and its ethnic implication in Morocco and Algeria have made it a symbolisation of resiliency , though overexploitation and climate variety threaten baseless populations .
Identifying characteristic
Cedrus atlantica is a large , evergreen plant conifer , typically growing 40–120 feet magniloquent with a trunk diameter of 3–6 foundation . Its needle - like leaves are short ( 0.5–1 column inch ) , stiff , and fix up in dense clump of 20–40 on short shoots , change from green to silvery - blue ( peculiarly in ‘ Glauca ’ ) . The bark is grayish - brown , fissure , and scaly with age . The tree diagram produces upright , cask - shape cones ( 2–3 inches long ) , gullible when young , senesce to brown and disintegrating on the tree . Its pyramidical crown in youth broadens into a flat - lead , irregular flesh with years , with gracefully wilt branches adding to its royal appearance .
Distribution and Ecology
Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria , Cedrus atlantica grows at elevations of 4,000–8,500 pes in cool , moist montane forests . It fly high in well - drained , rocky , or sandy soils , often on steep slopes , and tolerates Mediterranean climates with wet winters and dry summers . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree forms pure stand or mixes with oaks , pine , and junipers , providing habitat for birds , small mammal , and insects . Its deep root word stabilize dirt , prevent wearing away in rugged terrain . However , home ground loss , overgrazing , and mood - induced drouth have reduced wild universe , making conservation cause critical . Introduced population are far-flung in temperate regions as ornamental tree .
Uses
Atlas Cedar has diverse ornamental , ecological , and industrial U.S.A. . Its durable , redolent woodwind is used for piece of furniture , cabinetry , and construction , though commercial harvest home is throttle due to conservation concerns . The wood ’s essential oil are extracted for perfume and aromatherapy , valued for their woody , tarry scent . Ornamentally , it is widely planted in parks , estates , and orotund gardens for its striking foliage and architectural build , with cultivars like ‘ Glauca ’ appreciate for their gamy hue . Ecologically , it prevents soil eroding and supports montane ecosystem . In traditional medicine , its resin and oils have been used for antiseptic and respiratory treatments , though this is less common today .
USDA zone
Cedrus atlantica is unfearing in USDA Zones 6–9 , thriving in cool to warm temperate climates with mild winters and restrained summers . It tolerates temperatures as low as -10 ° F , attain it desirable for part like the Pacific Northwest , parts of the Northeast U.S. , and southern Europe ( Zone 6 ) . Zones 7–9 , include Mediterranean climates and the southeastern U.S. , are idealistic for its growth . The tree requires full sun and well - drain soils , suffer drought once established but sensible to waterlogged conditions . In colder zones , it may be grown in protected microclimates , though its tumid size set container cultivation .
