Attributes:
The Deodar Cedar tree makes an excellent specimen tree for landscapes because of its pleasing shape and attractive silver-green coloring. The tree also makes a fast growing and soft wind screen and has been successfully used as a street tree with the lower branches pruned for pedestrian traffic.
Description:
An excellent evergreen with graceful pendulous branches. Pyramidal form when young, wide-spreading and flat-topped in old age, often reaching 70' in height. (zones 7-9)
Wildlife Value:
The Deodar Cedar provides nesting sites, cover and food for mammals and birds such as the woodpecker.
History/Lore/Use:
The Deodar Cedar tree can become an immense tree in its native Himalayan habitat. There, at approximately 4000 feet, it has been known to reach 250 feet in height. Commonly, it is smaller and has been called "the most graceful Cedar" by Michael Dirr, noted tree expert and author. It is no wonder that its name, Deodar, derives from Sanskrit that translates to "timber of the gods." This beautiful tree, with its interesting branching pattern and drooping tips, attracted the eye of plant fanciers early in history. It was introduced to Europe in 1822 and to the United States nine years later.
Moisture:
Normal moisture requirements; good drought tolerance.
Leaves:
The leaves are needle-like with sharp tips. Blue-green or sometimes silvery, 1 to 2 inches long and usually borne in clusters. Needles are shed in late spring as new growth appears.
Flower Color:
Greenish-purple; nondescript.
Bloom Time:
April-May.
Fruit Description:
The fruit is oval; 3 to 6 inches long; dry and hard.
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