Cedar trees are renowned for their durability, aromatic wood, and natural resistance to decay and insects. These majestic trees belong to the family Pinaceae and are often found in forests around the world, with some species being more popular than others for their unique properties. Cedar wood is prized in construction, furniture making, and even in creating aromatic products. This article explores the different types of cedar trees, their characteristics, and their uses.
1. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Western Red Cedar is perhaps the most well-known and widely used type of cedar, especially in North America. Native to the Pacific Northwest, this species is highly valued for its rich, reddish-brown wood, which is lightweight yet strong. The wood’s natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage makes it a popular choice for outdoor construction projects like decking, fencing, and siding.
Characteristics:
- Height: Can reach up to 200 feet.
- Bark: Reddish-brown, fibrous, and peels off in long strips.
- Needles: Soft, scale-like, and dark green.
- Cones: Small, egg-shaped, and typically grow in clusters.
Uses: Due to its resistance to decay, Western Red Cedar is ideal for shingles, siding, outdoor furniture, and even musical instruments like guitars.
2. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Despite its name, Eastern Red Cedar is not a true cedar but belongs to the juniper family. It is native to eastern North America and is known for its aromatic wood, which has a distinct reddish hue. The wood is highly resistant to rot and insects, making it a popular choice for fence posts, chests, and closets.
Characteristics:
- Height: Typically grows up to 50 feet, though it can reach 90 feet in ideal conditions.
- Bark: Thin, reddish-brown, and peels in long strips.
- Needles: Evergreen, scale-like, and dark green to blue-green.
- Cones: Small, berry-like, and bluish-purple when mature.
Uses: Eastern Red Cedar is widely used for making cedar chests, closet linings, fence posts, and pencils. Its wood is also popular for crafting essential oils due to its pleasant aroma.
3. Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
Atlas Cedar is native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. This species is prized for its beautiful, silvery-blue foliage and is often used as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. The wood of the Atlas Cedar is highly aromatic and durable, making it valuable for furniture and decorative items.
Characteristics:
- Height: Can reach up to 120 feet.
- Bark: Dark gray to brown, thick, and fissured.
- Needles: Stiff, needle-like, and typically bluish-green.
- Cones: Barrel-shaped, upright, and can be up to 4 inches long.
Uses: While not as commercially valuable as some other cedars, Atlas Cedar is used in furniture making, veneer production, and occasionally in essential oil extraction. Its striking appearance also makes it a popular ornamental tree.
4. Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
Deodar Cedar, also known as Himalayan Cedar, is native to the western Himalayas. It is one of the most graceful and elegant of the cedars, with a conical shape and drooping branches. The wood of the Deodar Cedar is aromatic, durable, and resistant to rot, making it highly sought after for construction and furniture.
Characteristics:
- Height: Can grow up to 250 feet in its native habitat, though it typically reaches around 150 feet when cultivated.
- Bark: Dark brown, rough, and fissured.
- Needles: Soft, needle-like, and bluish-green.
- Cones: Barrel-shaped, upright, and up to 5 inches long.
Uses: Deodar Cedar wood is used in construction, especially for building temples and other religious structures in its native regions. It is also used in furniture making and as an ornamental tree in large landscapes.
5. Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)
Cyprus Cedar is a rare species native to the island of Cyprus, specifically the Troodos Mountains. It is a smaller tree compared to other cedar species and is highly valued for its resilience and adaptability to harsh conditions. The wood is aromatic and has a fine texture, making it suitable for high-quality woodworking.
Characteristics:
- Height: Typically grows up to 80 feet.
- Bark: Dark gray, thin, and smooth, becoming rough with age.
- Needles: Short, stiff, and dark green.
- Cones: Small, barrel-shaped, and about 3 inches long.
Uses: Cyprus Cedar is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its rarity. However, its wood is valued for fine woodworking, including the production of musical instruments and high-end furniture.
6. Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani)
Lebanon Cedar is perhaps the most historically significant of all cedar species. Native to the mountains of Lebanon, this tree has been revered for thousands of years and is mentioned in numerous ancient texts, including the Bible. The wood is highly durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for construction and shipbuilding.
Characteristics:
- Height: Can reach up to 130 feet.
- Bark: Dark gray to black, thick, and deeply fissured.
- Needles: Dark green to bluish-green, arranged in clusters.
- Cones: Large, barrel-shaped, and up to 5 inches long.
Uses: Historically, Lebanon Cedar was used in the construction of temples, palaces, and ships. Today, it is used in fine woodworking, furniture making, and as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks.
7. Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
Port Orford Cedar, also known as Lawson Cypress, is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. Despite its name, it is not a true cedar but is highly valued for its light, fragrant wood that is resistant to decay. It is a popular choice for boat building, flooring, and outdoor structures.
Characteristics:
- Height: Typically grows up to 200 feet.
- Bark: Reddish-brown, thick, and deeply fissured.
- Needles: Scale-like, soft, and blue-green.
- Cones: Small, globular, and about 1/4 inch in diameter.
Uses: Port Orford Cedar is prized in boat building, flooring, and for making garden furniture. Its resistance to rot also makes it ideal for outdoor construction projects.
Conclusion
Cedar trees are some of the most versatile and valuable trees in the world. Each type of cedar has its own unique characteristics and uses, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from construction and furniture making to ornamental planting and essential oil production. Whether you’re a woodworker, landscaper, or simply a nature enthusiast, understanding the different types of cedar can help you appreciate the beauty and utility of these magnificent trees.