Golden Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodara 'Aurea'
ABOUT
The Cedrus deodara 'Aurea', commonly known as the Golden Deodar Cedar, is visually striking with its golden-yellow foliage that provides a radiant display in the landscape. Its needles are slender and soft to the touch, exhibiting a bright hue that tends to be most vivid at the tips of the branches, especially when the new growth emerges in the spring. As the needles mature, they may transition to a more muted golden color, but still retain their luminous quality. The form of the Golden Deodar Cedar is particularly graceful, characterized by a gently weeping habit. Its branches swoop down and then curve upwards at the ends, creating an elegant, cascading silhouette. The structure of the tree is pyramidal when it is young, maturing into a more flat-topped and spreading shape with age. The bark of the Golden Deodar Cedar is an attractive grayish-brown, developing deep fissures and a rugged texture as the plant matures. Cones may also be present on mature specimens, starting out as small and green before turning to a woody brown as they age and release their seeds. Overall, the Golden Deodar Cedar offers a combination of dramatic form and stunning yellow foliage that sets it apart as a focal point in a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Deodar Cedar, Himalayan Cedar, Gold Cone Deodar Cedar.
Common names
Cedrus deodara 'Aurea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Golden Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Aurea') is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or significant toxicity from ingestion of this plant. Therefore, if ingested, it is not expected to cause any harmful symptoms due to toxicity. However, it is still advisable to avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
The Golden Himalayan Cedar is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting this plant should not cause symptoms of poisoning. As with humans, ingestion of non-food plants is generally not recommended, but accidental ingestion of the Golden Himalayan Cedar should not result in toxicity for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Golden
Height
40-50 feet (12-15 meters)
Spread
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Cedrus deodara 'Aurea', commonly known as the Golden Deodar Cedar, adds visual interest to landscapes with its golden-yellow foliage.
- Year-Round Interest: This evergreen tree maintains its needles throughout the year, providing consistent color and structure in the garden.
- Shade: As a large tree, the Golden Deodar Cedar creates substantial shade, which can be beneficial for creating cool outdoor spaces during warmer seasons.
- Windbreak: When planted in groups or rows, it can serve as an effective wind barrier, protecting more sensitive areas of the landscape.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Privacy: The dense growth of the Golden Deodar Cedar makes it suitable for use as a privacy screen or hedge.
- Soil Erosion Control: The tree's root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It is adaptable to various landscape styles, ranging from formal to naturalistic settings.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the Golden Deodar Cedar is considered a symbol of eternal life, adding a spiritual or philosophical dimension to the landscape.
- Longevity: Cedars are known for being long-lived trees, providing benefits for generations.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The oil derived from Deodar cedar is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in reducing inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: Components of Deodar cedar oil are believed to possess antimicrobial properties that can help to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Analgesic: The essential oil from Deodar cedar is sometimes used for its analgesic effects, potentially reducing pain when applied topically.
- Expectorant: Deodar cedar oil may act as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that may offer antioxidant benefits, which can help in protecting the body against damage from free radicals.
- Diuretic: Traditional use suggests that Deodar cedar may have diuretic properties, helping to increase urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking crafts: The fragrant wood of Deodar Cedar is valued for creating small decorative objects, intricate carvings, and detailed woodworking projects due to its fine grain and workability.
- Insect repellent: The aromatic oils within Deodar Cedar wood can naturally repel moths and other insects, making it a suitable choice for lining closets or creating storage chests.
- Cultural rituals: In some cultures, the leaves and wood of the Deodar Cedar are used in religious ceremonies and rituals for their symbolic significance and pleasant aroma.
- Horticultural artistry: Deodar Cedar 'Aurea' can be trained and shaped into artistic topiary forms in formal gardens, showcasing the versatility of its golden foliage.
- Photography backdrop: Its striking yellow needles and architectural form make Deodar Cedar 'Aurea' a favored subject and backdrop for photographers, especially during the golden hour.
- Erosion control: Deodar Cedar trees are effective at stabilizing soil on slopes, preventing erosion due to their extensive root systems.
- Noise barrier: Planting these evergreen trees in a row can create a dense visual and sound barrier, reducing noise pollution from nearby roads or industrial areas.
- Christmas tree: Although not the traditional choice, Deodar Cedar 'Aurea' can be used as an alternative Christmas tree due to its conical shape and festive appearance.
- Landscape drama: The distinctive weeping habit and golden foliage of the Deodar Cedar 'Aurea' add drama and year-round interest to landscape designs.
- Privacy screen: When planted in rows or clusters, Deodar Cedar 'Aurea' can provide an evergreen privacy screen for residential or commercial properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Himalayan Cedar is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Himalayan Cedar is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Cedrus deodara 'Aurea', commonly known as Golden Deodar, is part of the cedar family. Cedars are often associated with long life due to their longevity and evergreen nature, symbolizing resilience and immortality.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: In many cultures, Cedar trees are considered sacred and are associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment. The Golden Deodar, with its majestic presence, can represent a connection to higher consciousness.
- Protection: Cedar trees are commonly believed to have protective qualities, serving as a symbol for safeguarding oneself and loved ones from harm.
- Purity: The aromatic scent of cedars is associated with purification. The Golden Deodar can symbolize cleanliness of soul and the clearing of negative energies.
- Wisdom: With age, trees gain rings, showing the passing of time and accumulation of knowledge. As such, cedar trees, including the Golden Deodar, are often symbolic of wisdom.
WaterThe Golden Deodar Cedar requires thorough watering, particularly during dry spells and for newly planted trees for the first few years. Once established, it's drought-tolerant but benefits from a deep watering every two to three weeks, depending on your local climate and soil drainage. The amount of water should be sufficient to moisten the soil deeply, often equating to 1-2 inches of water per week. It's best to avoid frequent, shallow watering, which doesn’t reach the deeper roots. Focus on a slower watering rate to ensure deep soil penetration, especially in soils with heavy clay content.
LightThe Golden Deodar Cedar thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. An ideal spot is one that offers unfiltered, bright sunlight for the majority of the day. Shadier conditions may lead to less vibrant foliage and a decrease in overall health and growth for the tree.
TemperatureThe Golden Deodar Cedar is hardy and can endure temperatures as low as 20°F and high summer temperatures above 80°F. The ideal temperature range for this evergreen lies between 40°F and 70°F. It's important to ensure that the tree is not exposed to extremes of heat or cold, which can damage the foliage and roots.
PruningPrune the Golden Deodar Cedar in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to shape or remove damaged branches. Pruning is less often required as this tree naturally grows in a well-formed shape; occasional thinning may be beneficial to maintain health and structure. Avoid heavy pruning, which can harm the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Golden Deodar Cedar prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts loam, sand, and peat for optimal growth. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingGolden Deodar Cedar, being a slow-growing tree, does not require frequent repotting. Young trees may need repotting every 3 to 4 years, while mature trees can be repotted less frequently, typically every 5 to 7 years.
Humidity & MistingGolden Deodar Cedar tolerates a wide range of humidity conditions but thrives best in moderate to high humidity environments, avoiding excessively dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and air circulation for indoor Golden Cedars.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide space to grow, and shelter from harsh winds for outdoor Golden Cedars.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Golden Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Aurea') starts its life when a seed germinates, typically in spring when soil temperatures rise. The seedling then grows into a young sapling, developing a central leader and needle-like leaves with a golden hue. As the sapling matures into an adult tree, it develops a conical to pyramidal shape with horizontal branches and can reach significant heights of up to 40 to 50 feet. The tree reaches reproductive maturity and starts producing both male and female cones; the male cones release pollen while the female cones develop on the upper branches and, after pollination, mature over a year before releasing seeds. Once mature, the tree can live for several hundred years, with some individuals dating over a thousand years. As the cedar ages, it may become less vigorous, with its growth rate slowing, and eventually, it dies, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Golden Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara 'Aurea') is commonly propagated through a method known as semi-hardwood cuttings, usually taken in mid-to-late summer. To propagate this way, a gardener selects healthy, semi-hardened sections of the current year's growth, typically lengths of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). These cuttings should have a few sets of needles left intact at the top and the remaining needles removed to reduce moisture loss. The cut end is then treated with rooting hormone to facilitate the development of new roots. After that, the cutting is inserted into a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. The container is kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight and stable temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius) until roots develop. Regular misting and a clear plastic cover can help maintain adequate humidity levels around the cuttings.
