Mastering Cedar Identification: A Comprehensive Guide to Recognizing These Majestic Trees
Cedar trees, with their aromatic wood and graceful forms, are a beloved sight in many landscapes. From the towering Western Red Cedar to the elegant Atlas Cedar, these evergreens offer beauty, shelter, and valuable timber. However, identifying cedars can be tricky, as the term ‘cedar’ is often loosely applied to various coniferous trees that share similar characteristics. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to accurately identify true cedars (genus *Cedrus*) and distinguish them from other ‘cedar-like’ trees. We’ll delve into the key features to look for, providing detailed descriptions and actionable steps to help you become a confident cedar identifier.
## Understanding True Cedars vs. False Cedars
Before diving into the identification process, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between true cedars and those trees that are commonly referred to as cedars but belong to different genera. True cedars belong to the genus *Cedrus* and are native to the mountains of the Western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region. The most common species include:
* **Atlas Cedar (*Cedrus atlantica*):** Native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. Known for its bluish-green needles and upright cones.
* **Deodar Cedar (*Cedrus deodara*):** Native to the Western Himalayas. Characterized by its drooping leader (the tip of the tree) and longer needles.
* **Lebanon Cedar (*Cedrus libani*):** Native to Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Historically significant and known for its strong, horizontal branching pattern.
* **Cyprus Cedar (*Cedrus brevifolia*):** Native to Cyprus. Similar to Lebanon cedar but with shorter needles.
‘False cedars’ are conifers that share some visual similarities with true cedars but are not closely related. These include:
* **Eastern Red Cedar (*Juniperus virginiana*):** A juniper native to eastern North America. Has scale-like foliage and berry-like cones.
* **Western Red Cedar (*Thuja plicata*):** A member of the cypress family, native to the Pacific Northwest. Characterized by its flattened foliage and aromatic wood.
* **Incense Cedar (*Calocedrus decurrens*):** Native to California and Oregon. Has scale-like foliage and distinctive duckbill-shaped cones.
This guide focuses primarily on identifying *true* cedars (*Cedrus* species). However, we’ll also touch upon the key differences between true and false cedars to help you avoid common misidentifications.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying True Cedars (*Cedrus*)
Follow these steps to accurately identify true cedars:
**Step 1: Observe the Overall Tree Shape and Size**
* **True Cedars:** Typically grow to a height of 30-80 feet (9-24 meters), though some specimens can reach even greater heights. They have a pyramidal or conical shape when young, gradually developing a more irregular, spreading crown as they mature. A key characteristic is their strong, horizontal branching pattern. Look for tiered branches that extend outwards, creating a majestic and layered appearance. Notice the leader (the topmost shoot): Deodar cedars have a distinct drooping leader, while Atlas and Lebanon cedars typically have more upright leaders, especially when younger.
* **False Cedars:** The shape and size of false cedars vary significantly depending on the species. Eastern Red Cedar is often more columnar or conical, while Western Red Cedar is more massive and can develop a very broad, buttressed base in older trees. Incense Cedar tends to be more narrowly conical.
**Actionable Steps:**
1. Stand back and observe the overall silhouette of the tree.
2. Estimate the height and spread of the crown.
3. Pay attention to the branching pattern: Are the branches mostly horizontal, upright, or drooping?
4. Note the leader: Is it drooping or upright?
**Step 2: Examine the Needles**
Needle characteristics are crucial for distinguishing true cedars from other conifers. Pay close attention to the following features:
* **True Cedars:**
* **Arrangement:** Cedar needles are arranged in dense clusters (fascicles) on short, spur shoots along the branches. These spur shoots are tiny, woody projections that persist on the branches even after the needles fall off. This is a key identifier. The number of needles per cluster can vary from 20 to 40.
* **Shape:** The needles are typically needle-like, slender, and four-sided (quadrangular) in cross-section. They taper to a point but are generally not sharp.
* **Length:** Needle length varies among species. Atlas Cedar needles are usually 0.5-1 inch (1.2-2.5 cm) long, Deodar Cedar needles are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, and Lebanon Cedar needles are 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) long. Cyprus Cedar has the shortest needles.
* **Color:** Needle color can range from bluish-green to dark green, depending on the species and variety. Atlas Cedars are often prized for their silvery-blue foliage. Deodar Cedars tend to have a brighter green color.
* **False Cedars:**
* **Eastern Red Cedar:** Has scale-like needles that are tightly pressed against the twigs. Juvenile foliage may have sharper, awl-shaped needles.
* **Western Red Cedar:** Has flattened, scale-like foliage arranged in fan-like sprays. The scales are small and overlapping.
* **Incense Cedar:** Also has scale-like foliage, but the scales are larger and more elongated than those of Western Red Cedar. They are arranged in a more open pattern.
**Actionable Steps:**
1. Locate a branch with needles.
2. Observe how the needles are arranged: Are they in clusters or attached individually to the twigs?
3. Count the number of needles per cluster (if applicable).
4. Examine the shape of the needles: Are they needle-like, scale-like, or awl-shaped?
5. Measure the length of several needles.
6. Note the color of the needles.
7. Feel the needles – cedar needles tend to be slightly waxy.
**Step 3: Inspect the Cones**
Cone characteristics provide another important clue for identifying true cedars. Note the following:
* **True Cedars:**
* **Shape:** Cedar cones are barrel-shaped or ovoid, and they stand upright on the branches. This is a critical distinguishing feature, as most other conifer cones hang down.
* **Size:** Cones are typically 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) wide.
* **Scales:** The cone scales are broad, thin, and fan-shaped. They are tightly packed together.
* **Maturation:** Cedar cones take two years to mature. When mature, they disintegrate on the tree, releasing their seeds. You’ll rarely find intact, fallen cedar cones beneath the tree. Instead, look for the cone’s central spike-like axis that remains on the branch after the scales have fallen off. These persistent spikes are a reliable indicator of a true cedar.
* **False Cedars:**
* **Eastern Red Cedar:** Produces small, berry-like cones that are bluish-purple in color. These are not true cones but modified seed-bearing structures.
* **Western Red Cedar:** Has small, oblong cones that are about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. They hang downwards and release their seeds in the fall.
* **Incense Cedar:** Produces distinctive duckbill-shaped cones that are about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long. They also hang downwards.
**Actionable Steps:**
1. Look for cones on the tree or on the ground beneath it.
2. Note the shape and size of the cones.
3. Observe whether the cones are upright or hanging down.
4. Examine the cone scales: Are they broad and thin, or small and scale-like?
5. Look for the persistent spike-like axis of disintegrated cones on the branches. This is a key identifier for true cedars.
**Step 4: Examine the Bark**
Bark characteristics can also provide clues to identification, though they are generally less reliable than needle and cone features. However, the following observations can be helpful:
* **True Cedars:** The bark of young cedar trees is typically smooth and grayish-brown. As the tree matures, the bark becomes thicker and develops shallow fissures and ridges. The bark may be slightly reddish-brown underneath the surface layer.
* **False Cedars:**
* **Eastern Red Cedar:** The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in long, shreddy strips.
* **Western Red Cedar:** The bark is fibrous, reddish-brown, and deeply furrowed. It peels off in long, stringy strips.
* **Incense Cedar:** The bark is thick, reddish-brown, and deeply furrowed. It has a cinnamon-like scent when freshly cut.
**Actionable Steps:**
1. Observe the color and texture of the bark.
2. Note whether the bark is smooth, fissured, or ridged.
3. Check if the bark peels off in strips or plates.
**Step 5: Consider the Location and Growing Conditions**
The geographic location and growing conditions can provide additional clues to the identity of a cedar tree. While cedars are widely planted as ornamentals, their native ranges are more restricted.
* **True Cedars:** Native to the mountains of the Western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region. In North America, they are primarily found in parks, gardens, and arboretums as ornamental trees. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
* **False Cedars:**
* **Eastern Red Cedar:** Native to eastern North America. A very adaptable tree, often found growing in poor, dry soils and along roadsides.
* **Western Red Cedar:** Native to the Pacific Northwest. Thrives in moist, shady forests.
* **Incense Cedar:** Native to California and Oregon. Commonly found in dry, mountainous regions.
**Actionable Steps:**
1. Determine the geographic location of the tree.
2. Assess the growing conditions: Is the soil well-drained or moist? Is the tree growing in full sun or partial shade?
## Key Characteristics of Common True Cedar Species:
To further refine your identification skills, let’s examine the key characteristics of the most common true cedar species:
* **Atlas Cedar (*Cedrus atlantica*):**
* **Needles:** Bluish-green to silvery-blue, 0.5-1 inch (1.2-2.5 cm) long.
* **Leader:** Typically upright, especially when young.
* **Growth Habit:** Pyramidal when young, becoming more spreading with age.
* **Cones:** Barrel-shaped, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, bluish-green when young, turning brown as they mature.
* **Deodar Cedar (*Cedrus deodara*):**
* **Needles:** Bright green, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long.
* **Leader:** Drooping, a distinctive characteristic.
* **Growth Habit:** Graceful, with a slightly weeping appearance.
* **Cones:** Barrel-shaped, 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long, bluish-green when young, turning brown as they mature.
* **Lebanon Cedar (*Cedrus libani*):**
* **Needles:** Green, 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) long.
* **Leader:** Upright, though the tree develops a very strong, horizontal branching pattern with age, creating a flat-topped appearance.
* **Growth Habit:** Pyramidal when young, becoming broad and spreading with age.
* **Cones:** Barrel-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, green when young, turning brown as they mature.
## Distinguishing True Cedars from Common ‘False Cedars’: A Quick Guide
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between true cedars and the most common ‘false cedars’:
| Feature | True Cedars (*Cedrus*) | Eastern Red Cedar (*Juniperus virginiana*) | Western Red Cedar (*Thuja plicata*) | Incense Cedar (*Calocedrus decurrens*) |
| —————- | —————————————————– | —————————————————— | —————————————————— | ——————————————————- |
| **Needle Type** | Needles in clusters (fascicles) on spur shoots, needle-like | Scale-like (awl-shaped on juvenile foliage) | Scale-like, flattened | Scale-like |
| **Cone Shape** | Barrel-shaped, upright, disintegrates on the tree | Berry-like, bluish-purple | Small, oblong, hanging downwards | Duckbill-shaped, hanging downwards |
| **Branching** | Strong, horizontal branching pattern | Variable, often columnar or conical | Flattened sprays of foliage | More upright and less flattened than Western Red Cedar |
| **Bark** | Fissured and ridged | Shreddy | Fibrous, stringy | Thick, furrowed |
| **Native Range** | Himalayas and Mediterranean | Eastern North America | Pacific Northwest | California and Oregon |
## Tools and Resources for Cedar Identification
To further enhance your cedar identification skills, consider using the following tools and resources:
* **Field Guides:** A good field guide to trees of your region is an invaluable resource. Look for guides that include detailed descriptions, illustrations, and range maps.
* **Online Resources:** Websites like the Arbor Day Foundation ([https://www.arborday.org/](https://www.arborday.org/)) and the Virginia Tech Dendrology website ([https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/](https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/)) offer comprehensive information on tree identification.
* **Hand Lens:** A hand lens (magnifying glass) can be helpful for examining small details, such as the arrangement of needles and the texture of bark.
* **Tree Identification Apps:** Several mobile apps can assist with tree identification, often using image recognition technology.
* **Local Arborists and Botanical Gardens:** Local arborists and botanical gardens can provide expert advice and hands-on learning opportunities.
## Conclusion: Become a Cedar Connoisseur
Identifying cedar trees is a rewarding skill that allows you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. By following the steps outlined in this guide, paying close attention to key characteristics, and utilizing available resources, you can confidently distinguish true cedars from other conifers and become a true cedar connoisseur. So, venture outdoors, observe the trees around you, and embark on your cedar identification journey! Happy tree spotting!