cedars

Cedars are a group of evergreen conifers in the genus Cedrus, within the pine family Pinaceae. There are four living species: Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar), Cedrus deodara (Deodar cedar), Cedrus libani (Lebanese cedar), and Cedrus brevibracteata, a Himalayan species described from western China. True cedars are native to high mountain regions of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean basin; the term “cedar” is sometimes used for other trees in common language, but true cedars are those Cedrus species.

All Cedrus species are large, long‑lived trees with broad, horizontal branches and thick, fissured bark. The needles are evergreen and typically occur in dense clusters on short shoots, ranging in color from blue‑green to dark green. The cones are barrel‑ or urn‑shaped, about 8–12 cm long, and mature after turning brown; they disintegrate on the tree to release winged seeds.

Habitat and cultivation preferences include cool, moist montane climates with well‑drained soil. Cedars generally require a period of chill and do not perform well in extreme heat or prolonged drought. They are widely grown as ornamental trees in parks and gardens in temperate regions and have cultural and historical associations in their native areas.

Uses include timber that is highly durable and resinous, valued for its fragrance and resistance to decay. Cedar wood has been used for construction, shipbuilding historically, furniture, chests, and shingles. The aromatic oils and resins have applications in perfumery and traditional medicine. Conservation concerns in the wild vary by species, with habitat loss and overexploitation affecting natural populations, while cultivated stands and reforestation efforts help maintain the genus.