Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodara
ABOUT
The Cedrus deodara, commonly known as the Deodar Cedar, is a visually striking conifer. It has a graceful, pyramidal shape with a tapering form that resembles a triangle from a distance. The horizontal branches of the Deodar Cedar extend outwards and slightly descend towards their ends, creating a sweeping, elegant silhouette. The needles on this tree are needle-like, soft to the touch, and often measure several inches long. These needles present a delicate blue-green to silvery-green color, contributing to the tree's soft visual texture. The bark on a Deodar Cedar is rough and fissured, having a grayish-brown hue that provides a rugged contrast to the fine foliage. The cones of this conifer are barrel-shaped, displaying a color palette that transitions from green to brown as they mature. These cones eventually disintegrate to release seeds, rather than falling whole from the tree. The Deodar Cedar's majestic overall appearance and weeping branch tips make this species a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks where it can spread its limbs without obstruction. Its visual interest changes with the seasons, though it remains an evergreen, providing year-round color and structure to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae.
Synonyms
Deodar Cedar, Himalayan Cedar, Devdar, Devadar, Deodar.
Common names
Cedrus libani subsp. deodara, Pinus deodara.
ToxicityTo humans
Deodar cedar is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can cause mild irritation or allergic reactions. In general, it is not advised to ingest any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse effects.
To pets
Deodar cedar is also not recognized for being toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While the ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset or an intestinal blockage, particularly if large amounts are consumed, deodar cedar does not typically present a significant toxic risk to pets. However, some animals may have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions, so it is best to prevent pets from consuming plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Height
40-70 feet (12-21 meters)
Spread
20-40 feet (6-12 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Cedrus deodara, commonly known as Himalayan cedar, is often used in landscaping for its graceful pyramid shape and attractive silvery-green needles.
- Shade Provider - It grows to a significant size, offering ample shade in gardens and parks.
- Wood Usage - The wood of the Himalayan cedar is aromatic and has natural insect repelling qualities, making it valuable for building and crafting furniture.
- Religious Significance - In many cultures, particularly in India, the Himalayan cedar is considered sacred and is often planted around temples.
- Habitat for Wildlife - This tree provides a habitat for various species of birds and mammals, offering both shelter and food sources.
- Soil Erosion Control - The extensive root system of the Himalayan cedar helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes.
- Climatic Resilience - It is tolerant of cold climates and can thrive at high altitudes, which makes it valuable for reforestation and afforestation projects in these regions.
- Durable Foliage - The leaves of the Himalayan cedar are evergreen, ensuring year-round color and texture in landscapes.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Cedrus deodara has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate inflammatory conditions.
- Antimicrobial: The wood and oil of deodar cedar have demonstrated antimicrobial activities against various pathogens.
- Analgesic: The plant is traditionally believed to have pain-relieving qualities that may help ease aches and pains.
- Antioxidant: Compounds within Cedrus deodara may offer antioxidant effects, potentially protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Diuretic: Historically, it has been used to promote the production of urine, helping in the treatment of certain conditions related to water retention.
- Sedative: Cedrus deodara is claimed to possess sedative properties, which might help in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Expectorant: The plant has been used traditionally as an expectorant to help alleviate coughs by loosening phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tract.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cedrus deodara wood is often used in the construction of temples and homes in India, owing to its aromatic and durable nature.
- The sawdust from Cedrus deodara can be employed as a natural pesticide for its insect-repelling qualities.
- Wood shavings of Cedrus deodara are sometimes used as a natural stuffing for pillows and mattresses for their pleasant scent.
- Cedar oil, extracted from Cedrus deodara, is utilized in perfumery and aromatherapy due to its warm, woody fragrance.
- The wood is popular in crafting musical instruments, providing a resonant quality to stringed instruments like guitars and violins.
- Fine woodworking is another application, with Cedrus deodara being used for intricate carvings and decorative elements in furniture.
- This plant's thick branches can be shaped into bonsai for ornamental purposes, combining art and horticulture.
- Cedrus deodara's tall and sturdy nature makes it suitable for use as a windbreak or to provide shade in landscape designing.
- The essential oil of Cedrus deodara is incorporated into cosmetic products like hair oils and skin creams for its fragrance and conditioning properties.
- When dried, the needles of Cedrus deodara are used in potpourri mixtures, adding a unique aroma to the home environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Deodar Cedar is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Deodar Cedar is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternal Life: Cedrus deodara, known commonly as the Deodar Cedar, is an evergreen tree, a quality which often symbolizes immortality and eternal life due to its unchanging, always green appearance.
- Divine Connection: Deodar Cedar is considered sacred in the Himalayas, its native region, symbolizing a connection to the divine and spiritual growth because of its towering height and majestic stature.
- Strength and Durability: The wood of the Deodar Cedar is strong and resistant to decay, which makes it a symbol of physical and moral strength, as well as longevity and resilience.
- Purity: In some cultures, the Deodar Cedar is a symbol of purity due to its aromatic wood and the fact that it's often found at high altitudes, closer to the heavens.
- Protection: The tree is also considered a symbol of protection in part because its wood was historically used to make temples and palaces, structures meant to offer safety and security.
WaterThe Himalayan Cedar, or Deodar Cedar, requires deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering to ensure a strong root system. For young trees, water once a week with 10-15 gallons during dry periods, reducing the frequency as the tree matures. Established trees typically need less frequent watering, depending on weather conditions. In case of hot, dry weather, you may need to water once every two weeks, ensuring you soak the ground deeply each time. Always allow the soil to dry out partially between watering to prevent root rot.
LightDeodar Cedar thrives in full sun, where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. The ideal spot for planting is a sunny location that is protected from harsh, drying winds. Partial shade is tolerable, but the tree performs best and develops its characteristic shape in full sunlight.
TemperatureDeodar Cedar is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal temperature range for healthy growth is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree can also survive in temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but proper watering and site selection can help mitigate heat stress.
PruningPruning the Deodar Cedar is mainly for maintaining its shape and removing any damaged or diseased branches. Prune during the dormant season, late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Light pruning can be done annually, but significant pruning should be spaced out every few years to prevent stress to the tree.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Deodar Cedar should have good drainage, consist of 2 parts loam, 1 part peat, and 1 part sand or perlite. The soil pH preferred by Deodar Cedar ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingDeodar Cedar, being a large tree, is not typically repotted. Instead, it is transplanted into the ground. However, if grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingDeodar Cedar thrives in average humidity levels found in outdoor conditions. It does not require any special humidity considerations, making it quite adaptable to various outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and prune to manage size.
Outdoor
Choose sunny location, protect from strong winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) begins with the germination of seeds, which typically occurs in the spring following a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge and spend a number of years growing in the juvenile phase, developing a strong root system and a straight, upright stem. As the tree matures into its vegetative stage, it forms a conical shape, with horizontal branches and dense foliage, and continues to grow in height and girth. After about 20 to 40 years, the Himalayan cedar reaches reproductive maturity and starts producing male and female cones on the same tree; the male cones release pollen, which is carried by the wind to fertilize the ovules in the female cones. Following fertilization, the female cones gradually mature over a year or more, then dry and release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The Himalayan cedar can live for hundreds of years, continually growing and reproducing, with older trees developing a broad, pyramidal or umbrella-like crown.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Himalayan cedar, known scientifically as Cedrus deodara, is typically propagated using seeds, as it is the most popular method. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall, so they can stratify over the winter. To propagate by seeds, one should first extract them from their cones and then plant them in a well-drained soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the seeds to rot. Seeds usually germinate in one to three months, although sometimes they might take longer. Once the seedlings emerge and reach a height of around 4 inches (about 10 centimeters), they can be carefully transplanted to individual pots or their intended location outdoors. It is important to protect the young plants from extreme weather and provide consistent moisture as they establish.
