AZ Arboretums

Cedrus deodara

Deodar cedar

Common: Deodar cedar
Family: Pinaceae
Light: Full sun
Water: Little water once established
Temperature: Least hardy of the true cedars. Tolerates heat well.

Protect from winter winds, especially in northern regions. Specimen, tall screen. Used in big urban parks, along wide streets. Evergreen. Christmas tree shape when young. Broad, spreading, flat topped without branches on lower trunk when older. Height to 50-80 feet, with 35 ft. spread.

Fast growing; annual growth rate is 12 to 18 inches. Alternate foliage, arranged singly on long growth, and spirally on short shoots. Leaves needle-like 1-1/4 to 2 inches long with bluish cast. Softer, lighter texture than other cedars. Needles are soft and grayish green. Cones 3-4 inches long and 3 inches wide. 1 or 2 on short shoots.

Can be pruned to shrub-like growth if desired. If planted in small lawn, can soon overpower area. Control spread by cutting new growth of side branches halfway back in late spring. This pruning also makes tree more dense.