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Cedrus deodara

Also Known As

California Christmas Tree
Deodara Cedar
Himalayan Cedar

Plant type

tree, conifer

size

H: 50'-150'
W: 40'

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Cedrus deodara plant details

Cedrus deodara is an evergreen conifer tree with blue and green foliage. and brown and red fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cedrus deodara

Plant type: conifer tree
Plant family: pinaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 40 FT wide, 50 FT - 150 FT - tall
Uses: bare root shipping available, cascading, pyramidal, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cedrus deodara

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This noble giant coming from the Himalaya reaches an impressive 110-160' in the wild and a more demure 40-50' in cultivation, it is probably the best of the big conifers to plant in the warmer localities; dark gray-green needles grace this pyramidal and wide-spreading tree while the branch tips droop in a manner that gives the whole tree a graceful aspect; there is a long history of its wood being used to build temples. S/M

By: Forestfarm

A true cedar native to areas in Afghanistan to India, Deodar Cedar is the most commonly grown of the Cedrus genus. It has naturally well shaped pyramidal form and is one of the most heat tolerant conifer species available. It is fast growing and develops strong, straight leaders with thick and sturdy side branches which are very resistant to snow breakage. Trees are generally large so they should be planted where they will have room to grow to their full size. Mature trees in their native environment will form multiple trunks off of large side branches, creating a fascinating mini-forest on top of a single trunk.

In the landscape, Deodar cedars are quite popular for their wide branching habit, lending it to be used as a shade tree. Because the branches are strong and thick this tree is a favorite for tree houses and tree swings. It is also popular for bonsai as the foliage grows in clusters like pines, which can be very beneficial to creating a unique bonsai tree that looks like a miniature pine.

Propagating Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Propagation is best done through seed, which can be easily collected from cones off of female trees in the fall. Seeds are large and much easier to collect than from most other conifers. Seeds are produced only from female trees, other trees produce only male cones. We have also had limited success rooting cuttings during the winter, however this is a slow process with low yields.

Seed for our trees is collected in native stands in very high altitude populations selected for cold hardiness, so these trees are hardy to zone 6 (normally these trees are hardy to zone 7).

By: Red Panda Nursery

Cedrus deodara common named Himalayan or Deodar Cedar evergreen, coniferous tree has a conical form and blue-green needles. Spreading branches and pendant branch tips. Showy, light brown cones mature in fall. Also known as the California Christmas Tree

By: Kigi Nursery

Cedrus deodara One of the most popular specimen trees. Large sweeping branches are covered with light green clustered needles. It will reach a height of 40 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. Makes a wonderful addition to any yard.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Extremely graceful, full sized conifer with silvery to bluish-green needles. Grows steadily to form a pyramidal to flat topped tree with branches full to the ground and pendulous tips. Makes an excellent specimen plant. 10-15? tall in ten years. Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Recommended by: the United States National Arboretum.

By: Fantastic Plants

Deodar Cedar is a pyramidal tree for much of its life but it becomes irregular with age. The plant will tolerate dry sites after it has become established. The needles are soft and grayish-green. The prominent cones are also interesting

By: Oregon Grown Tree Farm

Broadly pyramidal with gracefully pendulous branches, drooping central leader. Zones 6-9.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

This Himalayan native looks like a spruce but can grow in warm climates! It is commonly called "California Christmas Tree" It can take the heat and is very drought tollerant when established. There were a few of these trees on abandond homesteads near where I live in Arizona. It took me a long time to finally identify them, but I'm glad I did. These trees are hardy though zones 7-9, and being a mountain plant, it would not supprise me to find it thrives in even colder zones. They are fast growing when young, but slow down with age. For sale are seedlings in 2 & 1/2 inch pots. WE CANNOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS INTERNATIONALLY!

By: Edens Blooms

The least cold-hardy of the cedars but well worth the effort if you have the right conditions. This very graceful conifer is one of the most beautiful specimens for lawn or border and for those who have the room, it makes a glorious grove when different sized trees are planted. A fast grower in youth, it slows as it matures, becoming less open. Prefers well drained, moist, deep, loamy soil but can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as there is not standing water. Give shelter from strong, sweeping winds. Can tolerate the heat of the south (Zone 7).