Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is a large, evergreen tree that belongs to the pine family Pinaceae. It has a conical shape when young, but becomes more broad and spreading with age. It has needle-like leaves that are dull green to grey-green in color, and barrel-shaped cones that ripen to brown and break up on the tree .
Atlas Cedar is native to the Rif and Atlas Mountains of Morocco (Middle Atlas, High Atlas) and Algeria (Tell Atlas), where it grows at altitudes of 1,370 to 2,200 m. It forms pure or mixed forests with other conifers, oaks and maples. It provides habitat for the endangered Barbary macaque, a primate that used to have a wider range in North Africa.
Atlas Cedar is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in Europe, especially for its blue-green foliage in some cultivars. It prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny position, and can tolerate drought and frost. It can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. It is also used for afforestation of barren lands in the Mediterranean region. Popular bonsai tree.
The current height of these cedars is approximately 20-40cm and they can be planted out all year round.
- Specimen or ornamental tree
- Likes well drained soil
- Native to Atlas Mountains
- Popular for bonsai
