
What is the fastest growing cedar tree?
What Is The Fastest Growing Cedar Trees? The Green Rocket Hybrid Cedar (Thuja Plicata x Standishii), a fast-growing evergreen native to South Africa, grows 3 feet tall for screens and windbreaks during the winter season. More than one per year is not an option. A few times within the past decade there have been 5 foot waves on the east coast.
What are some interesting facts about cedar trees?
Interesting Facts. Only the male cedar trees yield pollens. The females, on the other hand, yield berries containing seeds. Although some species of true cedars are acclimatized and found in the US, none of the species are native.
How do you identify a cedar tree?
- The cones are only found on male trees.
- You might also see hints of red.
- If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell.
Where are conifer seeds found?
Conifers are a magnificent group of gymnosperm plants that produce seeds without fruit or flowers. They include some incredible trees such as the Giant Sequoias of North America that can grow over 110 m tall. The conifers are by far the largest group of gymnosperms with around 630 species worldwide of a total approximation of around 860 species.

Are cedars native to North America?
Most true, old-world cedars seen in North America are ornamentals. These conifers are not native and for the most part have not naturalized to North America. The most common of these you will see are Cedar of Lebanon, deodar cedar, and Atlas cedar.
Do cedar trees grow in America?
The cedar tree is native to the Himalayas and countries around the Mediterranean, but it can be found in many parts of the world with mild climates. True cedar trees have no varieties native to the U.S., but people plant them for ornamental purposes.
Where are cedar trees found in the US?
Juniperus virginiana, also known as red cedar, eastern red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, and other local names, is a species of juniper native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains.
What is special about a cedar tree?
People cultivate cedar because of its ornamental morphology and fragrant, durable wood that has application in the construction and furniture industry. Interesting Cedar Facts: Cedar can reach from 98 to 131 feet in height and around 8 feet in diameter (trunk). Cedar has dark-grey or brown bark.
What is the lifespan of a cedar tree?
Cedars are known for their longevity. They take years to reach maturity, which means they will live for centuries. The average lifespan of the true cedar is around 300 years or longer. Some Lebanon cedar trees can live up to 1,000 years.
How long does it take to grow a cedar tree?
Tip. The growth rate of red cedars is moderate to fast and varies slightly based on cedar type. Eastern red cedars grow by 12 to 24 inches in height per year for their first 30 years, while Western red cedars can add 24 to 30 inches of height per year.
How much is a cedar tree worth?
You keep asking yourself, what's my tree worth? Well, now it's the perfect time to find it out with your bare hands! Find the type of your tree and the corresponding basic price per 1 cubic inch....Table of cost of mature trees.Tree typeBasic valueTeak8.88Cedar3.15White Ash2.58White Oak3.5320 more rows•Nov 12, 2021
Do cedar trees attract mosquitoes?
CEDAR TREES AND CEDAR CHIPS Fact: It's the environment where cedars grow (wet, marshy areas) which attract bugs, not the trees themselves. Cedar trees and cedar chips contain oils which mosquitoes find offensive.
Are cedar and pine trees the same?
Most simply, they fall under different branches of the same tree family. Cedar trees fall under the genus Cedrus, and pine trees make up the genus Pinus. Each type then has many different varieties, so if you're looking to plant one in your yard, you'll have plenty of species to choose from.
What does the Bible say about cedar trees?
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12).
Are cedar trees male or female?
Cedar tree flowers vary from species to species. Cedars are also either male or female, and the sexes can have different flowers.
Is cedar a hardwood or softwood?
softwoodExamples of softwood trees are cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew. Hardwood refers to wood from broad-leaved trees such as oak, ash or beech. These are deciduous trees that shed their leaves during autumn and winter.
Where is most cedar grown?
True cedars (and remember, that is all that we are discussing here!) hail from the mountains of the western Himalayas of Asia and the Mediterranean region of Europe, where they are often found at high altitudes. Cedars are generally hardy to zone 6, although cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is a bit more tender.
Where do cedar trees grow best?
Cedar trees prefer full sun locations (6-8 hours of sun per day) in moist, well-draining soil. And they're adaptable to a wide variety of soil types, making them easy to grow.
Why does nothing grow under a cedar tree?
Related Articles. Cedar trees (Cedrus spp.) are conifers that thrive in acidic soils with thick canopies that prevent water and sunlight from reaching the ground below. This dry, dark and acidic soil can be difficult for plants to survive in, leaving the area underneath the cedar tree dull and unattractive.
Do cedar trees grow in North Carolina?
EASTERN RED CEDAR (Juniperus virginiana) – It is the most widely distributed conifer of tree size in the eastern United States. In North Carolina, it is found everywhere except the high mountains. It is a small to medium sized tree 40 to 50 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in diameter.
Where do cedar trees grow?
Red cedar, the wood most commonly found in woodworking, grows on both the East and West coast of the United States. Eastern red cedar is a significantly harder and stronger wood than the red cedar that grows on the West coast. White cedar is also found along the East coast.
What is cedar wood?
Cedar wood is a versatile and durable domestic hardwood that grows on both the East and West coasts of the US. Although there are many different types of cedar trees, the ones most commonly used for their lumber are Eastern and Western Red Cedar.
Why does cedar change color?
All natural wood changes colors over time due to chemical reactions which occur between extractives in the wood, like oil, and the environment—chiefly oxygen and UV rays. Lighter woods will usually darken, and darker woods will lighten. Cedar is unique in that, instead of mellowing out, blending, or developing a patina, it turns silver or gray. The color shift is quite dramatic and can happen rapidly.
What is the highest rating of cedar?
Yellow cedar and Spanish cedar are 580 Janka and 600 Janka, which puts them in the neighborhood of chestnut and red alder. Eastern red cedar has the highest rating of the group at 900 Janka, which still places it well below virtually every other wood used for furniture, floors, and construction.
What is the best alternative to cedar?
For indoor use, we think the best alternative to cedar is cherry wood. For outdoor use, consider our polywood outdoor furniture made from recycled HDPE plastic.
What is considered a hardwood tree?
The phrases really denote whether the wood comes from a tree that’s in the gymnosperm or dicot group. Gymnosperms are usually trees with needles, such as fir and pine. They’re considered softwoods. Dicots are usually leafy trees, such as cherry, walnut, oak, and maple. They’re considered hardwoods.
Is Spanish cedar a vulnerable tree?
Spanish cedar is considered “vulnerable” to extinction, and the forests where it grow s are under siege by organized crime. Supporting the logging of these forests, whether for Spanish cedar or some other exotic wood, is discouraged. Not only that, but the importation process results in a higher carbon footprint.
Where do cedar trees grow?
The Southern cedar tree, called "Juniperus Silicicola," grows in North Carolina and Florida. On the other hand, the Western cedar tree grows in Alaska, northern California and the Rocky Mountains. Other areas where cedar trees grow are South ...
What is the best soil for cedar trees?
Cedar trees grow well in areas with good full sunshine and in well drained-soils that include acidic and alkaline, sandy, and clay. In the U.S., the Eastern cedar tree, known as the "Juniperus Virginiana," grows mostly in the USDA hardiness areas of zones 2 and 9.
What is a cedar tree?
Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine ( Pinaceae) family.
Where is Eastern Red Cedar native to?
The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. Other common names for this faux cedar are ‘pencil cedar,’ ‘aromatic cedar,’ and Virginian juniper. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth.
How to identify a Deodar cedar tree?
To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. The foliage can be from bright green to bluish-green color. The barrel cones grow up to 5” (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly.
How to tell if a cedar tree is mature?
Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous height—growing up to 160 ft. (50 m).
What is the name of the tree with large scales?
Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right) Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, ...
How big does a deodar tree grow?
However, in a park or garden landscape, they don’t usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. The wood from Deodar cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain. Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. However, the cedar lumber isn’t ideal for furniture making.
How tall do cedars grow?
Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. They don’t grow to more than 40 ft. (12 m) tall in garden landscapes and are ideal for full sun and hot, arid conditions. Some ornamental cultivars include the Golden Atlas Cedar ‘Aurea’ with golden foliage, Blue Atlas Cedar ‘Glauca’ with its bluish green needles, the ‘Glauca Pendula,’ with weeping branches, and ‘Argentea Fastigiata’—an upright columnar tree with a pencil shape.
What are some interesting facts about cedar trees?
Facts About Cedar Trees. There are many types of cedar trees. All cedars are large coniferous evergreen trees. Because of their size, these trees are not often found in gardens and are usually seen lining streets or in parks. However, they make an excellent windbreak and are suitable on large pieces of property to add a living hedge ...
How long does it take for a cedar tree to grow?
The trees start easily from seed but require a 48-hour soaking period and another month in the refrigerator, along with some potting soil in a zip lock bag. The soil must be kept moist during this time.
How to grow a sage tree from a cup?
Dig a hole that is three times the size of the cup and use high quality compost and native soil mixture to fill the hole. Place a 2-foot (0.5 m.) stake next to the tree and gently attach the seedling to the stake with garden twine.
What are the problems with cedar trees?
While there are not too many cedar tree problems to deal with, several pesky insects are attracted to cedar trees including the cypress tip moth, root weevil, mites, and juniper scale. Infested trees generally exhibit symptoms including brown or yellow foliage, reduction of plant sap, white cocoons, or black, sooty mold. Horticultural oil or insecticide may be needed if infestation is extreme.
How to protect a young tree from mechanical damage?
Keep a 2-inch (5 cm.) layer of mulch around the tree, but not touching the trunk, to prevent moisture loss and protect the tree. It may be necessary to use a wire cage to prevent injury from mechanical devices as well. Protect young trees with a covering of landscape fabric if you live in a very cold climate.
How to protect young trees from cold?
Protect young trees with a covering of landscape fabric if you live in a very cold climate . Water small trees regularly and allow them to dry out completely between each watering. Fertilizer is generally not necessary unless the soil is very unhealthy.
Is cedar a good tree?
Attractive and normally trouble-free, cedar trees can be great additions to the landscape. To learn more about cedar tree care or how to grow cedar trees, you may find the following information helpful.
How many varieties of cedar are there?
There are about a dozen commonly used varieties of cedar sourced differently. Rather than duplicate here you can use the following link to obtain sourcing information on the many varieties: The Wood Database.
Where did Cedrus come from?
Historically, from various species of Cedrus, mostly from the Mediterranean area, especially Lebanon.
What is the best cedar for siding?
AROMATIC and WESTERN red cedar are often used as linings in closets and trunks. It is not structurally stable so it shouldn’t be a wood out of which you would build something but it is a good choice for siding. VERY often folks use the shavings for pet bedding which is a bad idea since it contains naturally-occurring phenols which can poison the animal. It is a mild sensitizer so people with skin or breathing problems should not come in contact with the wood or breathe the dust. WESTERN red cedar when quartersawn and in proper widths is also used fo
What is the difference between white cedar and red cedar?
One called White Cedar and one called Western Red Cedar. White Cedar was used to make those amazing zig zag fences without any metal parts, some of which still resist rot and termites more t than two-three hundred years later. Western Red Cedar is famous as the sweet fragrant wood used in making saunas, and chests for storing precious fabrics. This is probably the one you are thinking of.
What wood is used for salt water boats?
For salt water, there are plenty of old boats around with cypress wood over sawn oak frames.
Is red cedar good for carving?
Red cedar is a possibility, but not ideal. I did some hand carving in middle school. My grandfather was very good, and it seemed very interesting to me. We went to a local lumber yard, and they gave me some redwood, which is similar to western red cedar in its grain structure and hardness. My first hand carvings turned out fine. But the issue with the material is that in most of the soft woods, conifers like fir, pine, cedar, hemlock, etc, there is a big difference in the hardness of the winter grain (the darker lines) and the summer grain, which is porous and soft. When you are working across
Is teak a hard wood?
Lots of beautiful work is done in teak and mahogany. They are medium hard woods, but have fairly uniform grain hardness.
How tall is a cedar tree?
This tree is an evergreen, cone-bearing tree or shrub typically measuring 30 feet tall. Typically found throughout the Hill Country, these trees often form cedar breaks, which choke out other trees from the area in an almost impenetrable forest of cedar.
What is the name of the tree that causes cedar fever?
This allergy season starts with mountain cedar, also known as Ashe juniper. Though knowing more about this tree may not stave off allergy symptoms, it can help you to understand why cedar fever plagues so many in the Hill Country each year.
What is the greenery in Texas Hill Country?
Today, much of the greenery in the Texas Hill Country is made of cedar trees rather than the more diverse, savannah of days past.
What do female cedar cones look like?
The female cones look like blueberries, while the male cones are elongated and hidden at the very ends of the branches. When driving through the Hill Country, you’ll notice mountain cedar trees immediately from their shorter stature, dark green foliage, and peeling bark.
Is mountain cedar in Texas?
Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Though much maligned, mountain cedar has been in Texas for thousands of years. Before people settled the area, much of the Texas Hill Country resembled oak savanna with grasslands dotted with oak trees stretching across the land.
Did mountain cedar trees take root?
But mountain cedar still existed, though it tended to stay on steep slopes rather than throughout the land. Grazing by settlers in the 1800s removed grass and more tender saplings, allowing tougher cedar trees to take root and take over.
Where are false cedars found?
Many of the false cedars aren't biologically related to each other. The western red cedar is amongst the most widely spread trees in the Pacific northwest of America and has been naturalized in Britain. We can find the tree growing anywhere from sea level to a maximum of 2,290m (7510ft).
What are the fruits or seeds of the Western REd Cedar?
Simple round flowers bloom in late autumn and give the tree a golden appearance
What wildlife is the Western Red Cedar valuable to?
In North America, the Western Red Cedar in northern forest settings will be a hideout for bears, raccoons and skunks. Where there are trees on the outskirts of towns, close to forests, these can draw the animals into town.
What is the scientific name for a red cedar tree?
The scientific name of the western red cedar is Thuja plicata . It also carries the name of Pacific red cedar, giant or western arborvitae (Latin for tree of life). Because of the sizes it can grow, it is sometimes called giant cedar.
What is the bark color of cedar?
The bark of the western red cedar is a deep reddish brown. We prize the bark for its durability, water resistance, and its flexibility. They peel strips of bark up to 27 feet long from straight tree trunks by making a single cut and pulling upwards.
How big do red cedar trees get?
The western red cedar can grow to a giant size, from 65 to 70m (210 to 230ft) tall with trunks that can range 3 to 7m (10 to 23ft) in diameter. A solitary tree may have a crown that reaches the ground, but where trees have grown close together the crown will only be at the top where it can get enough light.
How to identify a j-shaped tree?
The thick, fluted trunk with grey to reddish fibrous bark is the easiest way to identify, that with the branches which are often shaped as a j on it side, with the end pointing slightly up.
Where do cedar trees come from?
Several types of true cedars grow in the United States. None are native to this country but rather come from the Middle and Far East.
What is a cedar tree?
Image Credit: Richard Hamilton Smith/Corbis Documentary/GettyImages. True cedar are tall, beautiful trees in the genus Cedrus, famed for their fragrant wood. But 'cedar' has a definite appeal as a tree name and it has been attached to other trees in many different genera. Some trees in the genus Thuja are known as western red cedar, ...
Why are there no undergrowth on cedar trees?
Instead, they suggest that the lack of undergrowth beneath cedars is a result of the actual shade the trees cast. All cedar trees, true cedar and false cedar, are tall, broad and evergreen, creating the type of shade beneath them that makes it hard for the sun to penetrate.
What is a western red cedar tree?
Western Red Cedar. Image Credit: Ross Durant Photography/Photographer's Choice/GettyImages. Trees called western red cedar are in the Thuja family, also known as arborvitae. If "arborvitae" makes you think of imported hedge shrubs, think again.
How tall does a red cedar tree get?
The western red cedar ( Thuja occidentalis) is native to the Pacific Northwest and can grow to over 200 feet tall, with trunks over 10 feet in diameter. These trees, with their flattened scale-like foliage, can live for over a thousand years. Western cedar can grow in dense shade and their thick foliage creates dense shade as well.
What is the color of cedar trees?
All true cedars have stiff branches and long evergreen needles (1 and 2 inches), often a blue-green color. The cones are large and shaped like barrels, sitting upright on the branches. Three true cedars growing in the Pacific Northwest are: Cedar of Lebanon ( Cedrus libani ).
Why do cedar trees have little undergrowth?
But don't attribute this to toxins. Some trees secrete toxins into the soil in order to kill competing plants, a process known as allelopathy.

The Heights of Cedar Trees in Mediterranean Climates
- Native trees can grow to over 200 feet, although most cultivated trees remain 60 to 80 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. Many cedar trees grow in Mediterranean climates, such as Cedrus deodara, which are resistant to USDA vegetation zones 7 to 9A. Like other varieties of cedar, they need pl…
on Hardiness Zones
- Eastern red cedar is one of the most adaptable cedars growing in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9. Eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree native to the East Coast of North America. Cedar is an evergreen tree (that is, with year-round leaves) with a characteristic spicy aroma. Cedar (Cedrus), also called “true” cedar, is a genus of conifers and trees in the plant fam…
Variants of The Cedar Species
- Like many other cedar species, northern white cedar can withstand all types of pest infestation. Cedar wood is highly valued for its resistance to weathering, insects and rot. Cedars, with their soft wood, are easy to trim and lend themselves well to pruning. Cedar trees have very typical “scaly” leaves that can grow on flattened toppings or around a branch. Their gorgeous blue-gree…