Golden Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica 'Aurea'
ABOUT
Cedrus atlantica 'Aurea', commonly known as the Golden Atlas Cedar, is a striking conifer known for its stunning foliage and distinctive shape. This evergreen tree boasts needles that are a vibrant shade of yellowish-gold, which become especially pronounced in the full sunlight, and can take on a slightly more muted hue in partial shade. These needles are arrayed in clusters along the branches, giving the plant a full, dense appearance. The Golden Atlas Cedar has a habit that begins quite symmetrical and pyramidal when young but gradually develops into a more irregular and open structure as the plant matures. Its branching pattern tends toward the horizontal, creating tiers that become more pronounced with age, adding architectural interest to the plant's silhouette. The bark of this cedar variety is equally noteworthy, with a grayish-brown color that can exhibit deep fissures, providing texture and adding to the visual appeal of the tree. As it grows, the bark pattern becomes more rugged and contributes to the overall majestic presence of the cedar. Cones emerge as an additional feature, starting out green and maturing to a woody brown. These cones are barrel-shaped and add another element of decoration while also serving as the plant's method of reproduction. Overall, the Golden Atlas Cedar's alluring golden foliage, combined with its unique growth habit and textural bark, make it a desirable choice for those looking to add a specimen with year-round interest and a touch of elegance to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Atlas Cedar, Golden Atlas Cedar, Golden Cedar, Aurea Atlas Cedar
Common names
Cedrus atlantica 'Aurea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Atlas cedar is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, accidental ingestion typically shouldn't cause any significant problems beyond the potential for mild stomach upset, which is common with non-food plants.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the Atlas cedar is not known to be toxic to pets. Ingestion is unlikely to lead to serious poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption of plant parts might result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea in sensitive pets. It's always wise to keep an eye on pets around any plants, in case of unexpected reactions or if the pet has a tendency to ingest large amounts of plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Yellow-green
Height
40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
Spread
20-40 feet (6-12 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Atlas Cedar adds visual interest to landscapes with its unique golden-yellow needle-like foliage.
- Shade Provider: It offers a shady canopy which is appreciated during hot summer days.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It serves as a habitat for various bird species and other wildlife.
- Architectural Structure: With its pyramidal shape, it can provide a strong vertical element in garden design.
- Windbreak: Its dense growth can act as a shield against winds, protecting nearby areas.
- Privacy Screen: Planted in rows, it can create a natural privacy barrier.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of resistance to drought conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Requires relatively low upkeep compared to other ornamental trees.
- Longevity: Being a long-lived species, it provides a lasting presence in a garden or landscape.
- Resistant to Deer: Its foliage is not preferred by deer, making it a suitable choice for areas with a deer population.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest due to its evergreen nature and changes in foliage color throughout the seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of the Atlas Cedar can be used for crafting musical instruments due to its acoustic properties, providing a unique aesthetic with its golden hue.
- Essential oil derived from the Atlas Cedar is used in perfumery for its warm and woody scent, though this is distinct from therapeutic uses.
- Atlas Cedar branches can serve as a natural moth deterrent for closets and storage areas.
- The sawdust of Atlas Cedar may be used as a component in incense, contributing a pleasant aroma when burned.
- Wood shavings from the Atlas Cedar can be used as mulch in gardening to enhance soil quality and retain moisture.
- The durable timber is suited for constructing outdoor structures like gazebos and pergolas, taking advantage of its natural resistance to decay.
- Atlas Cedar can be planted as a windbreak in large landscapes to reduce soil erosion and protect smaller plants.
- The bark of Atlas Cedar can be processed into a natural dye for textiles, lending a soft tan to light brown coloration.
- Fine Cedar wood dust is utilized in creating compounds for filling and sealing gaps in woodworking.
- Fallen needles of the Atlas Cedar can be collected and used as stuffing material for outdoor cushions due to their slow decomposition rate and sponginess.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Immortality: The Cedrus atlantica, commonly known as the Atlas cedar, is a coniferous tree that can live for hundreds of years, symbolizing endurance and the timeless nature of the soul.
- Strength: As a large and majestic tree, the Atlas cedar represents strength and power, standing tall against the elements.
- Protection: Cedar trees have been historically valued for their wood, which is both durable and aromatic, qualities that lend themselves to notions of preservation and safeguarding.
- Cleansing: The aromatic oils found in cedar wood are associated with purification, making it a symbol of cleansing and fresh starts.
- Spiritual Connection: Cedars are often connected to spiritual practices and are believed to aid in deepening one's spiritual awareness.
- Healing: Due to its therapeutic properties, the Atlas cedar is also a symbol of health and recovery.
- Wisdom: With their imposing presence and longevity, cedar trees are commonly seen as symbols of wisdom and knowledge.
WaterThe Golden Atlas Cedar requires moderate watering. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, about once every two weeks, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. A young tree will benefit from up to 5 gallons per watering, ensuring that the water reaches deep into the root zone. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency of watering, and reduce it during rainy seasons or cooler weather.
LightThe Golden Atlas Cedar thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It's ideal to plant it in a spot where it's exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day to ensure vigorous growth and the best golden needle coloration. Avoiding shade is paramount as insufficient light can lead to poor growth and diminished foliage quality.
TemperatureThe Golden Atlas Cedar is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It can also tolerate high temperatures, but it is important to ensure that it has enough water during excessively hot weather. Ideally, this cedar variety prefers temperatures within the range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It's important to protect it from extreme temperature fluctuations, especially during the growing season.
PruningPruning the Golden Atlas Cedar is generally done to maintain its shape or to remove damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's not necessary to prune this tree annually; instead, observe its shape and prune as needed, which may be every few years. When pruning, make clean cuts and avoid removing large branches, as this can damage the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Blue Atlas Cedar should be well-draining with a mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBlue Atlas Cedar is a slow-growing tree that typically does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingBlue Atlas Cedar prefers a dry to average humidity level and can tolerate the lower humidity conditions typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Golden Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Aurea') begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-draining environment, typically after experiencing a period of stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling phase involves developing a taproot and the emergence of the first shoots and needles, establishing the young plant. As it enters the juvenile phase, the Golden Atlas Cedar grows more vigorously, developing a conical shape and characteristic golden-hued needles, and can take several years to reach maturation. During the mature phase, the tree reaches its full height and size, with a spreading canopy, and starts reproducing, producing both male pollen cones and female seed cones in late summer to autumn. After fertilization, the female cones mature over one to two years before releasing seeds to start new life cycles. The Golden Atlas Cedar can live for several hundred years if growing conditions are favorable, continuing to reproduce annually and gradually growing in girth and possibly height.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Blue Atlas Cedar, or Cedrus atlantica 'Aurea', is by grafting. This involves taking a small branch or bud from a mature 'Aurea' tree and grafting it onto the rootstock of a more vigorously growing cedar species. The grafting process typically occurs in late winter or early spring, before the growth season begins. During grafting, the branch or bud (scion) is carefully joined to a cut in the rootstock, ensuring that the cambium layers align. The graft union is then wrapped and sealed to prevent desiccation and infection. With attentive aftercare, including proper watering and shielding from harsh conditions, the grafted union will heal and the scion will start to grow, eventually developing into a new 'Aurea' with the desired golden foliage characteristics of the parent plant. Over time, the grafted tree can grow to its full majestic size, mirroring the beauty of its donor.
