Cedrus - Cedar Tree, Cypress

(Ced'rus)

DESCRIPTION: These evergreen trees are commonly known as Cedar or Cypress trees. They are originally from the Himalayas, the Syrian and Atlas Mountains, and Cyprus. They are different from other cone-bearing trees in their needles, which are produced in thick clusters on very short growths and surround terminal shoots at irregular intervals. The flowers are produced early in fall when the pollen-bearing cones are very noticeable. It takes 2 years for the seeds to completely ripen; the cones fall to pieces at that time. C. libani, the Lebanon Cedar, is a native of the Syrian Mountains and is popular because of its remarkable appearance and Biblical associations. The leading shoot of this tree is sometimes slow growing, but once it does, growth is rapid. It has a conical shape when young, gradually forming a flat-topped and tiered, mature tree. The leaves are green or grayish-green and ¾ to 1½ inches long. C. atlantica, the Atlas Cedar, comes from the mountains of North Africa and grows from 100 to 120 feet in height. It grows faster than the Lebanon Cedar when young. The leaves are ¾ to 1½ inches long, green or grayish-green, and densely cover young branchlets. The wood of the true Cedars is oily, sweet-scented and very durable. The wood of C. Deodara is widely used for building purposes, for furniture and railroad ties. The scent of the wood of all species wards off attacks from insects and clothing, stored in closets or chests made of this wood, is usually safe from moths.

POTTING: Cedars can be grown in temperate climates. The most tender kind is C. Deodara, from the Himalayas, which can't be grown in very severe climates. They will thrive in almost any good, well-drained soil from acid sand to clay and limestone. The best soil is one that is light, well-drained, loam and peat.

PROPAGATION: Seeds should be sown in light, sandy soil in a propagating house or frame. When they are large enough to handle, the seedlings are planted in a nursery border outside about 3 inches apart in rows 12 feet apart. They are transplanted every two years while they are young. Varieties that won't come true from seed should be grafted in the spring on stocks of their respective types. The stocks must be established in pots and the grafted plants placed in a closed propagating frame until the union is complete.

VARIETIES: C. atlantica, (the Atlas Cedar) & var. glauca, glauca pendula, aurea, fastigiata, pendula; C. libani (Lebanon Cedar) & var. Comte de Dijon, sargentii; C. deodara (Deodar) & var. aurea, Golden Horizon, Karl Fuchs; C. brevifolia (Cyprian Cedar).

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