Cedar Tree: Types, Uses, medicinal benefits and How to grow - Tree Website

cedar tree


The cedar tree is mainly found in mountainous regions, which have crimped several advantages. The cedar wood is solid, and that’s the reason why it is used to make furniture. Also known as deodar, usually found in the height of 3500 to 12000 feet.

The height of cedar trees may vary from 45 meters and more. Let me take you on a trip of cedar trees where we’ll cover all their astonishing facts.

Let’s start the article with the fact that the Cedar tree is entitled as the national tree of Pakistan, also received the accolade by “Garden Merit’ by “Royal Horticultural Society.”

Apart from that, Cedar, aka deodar tree, has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Devadaru,” which means the timber of god. Hence, cedar is a sacred tree in Hinduism.

How to grow a cedar tree

cedar tree


There can be several reasons you want to grow a cedar. Either it’s medical, aesthetic reasons, spiritual practices, or maybe any other personal or corporational reasons.

It required proper sunlight and an open place to grow its branches. So whenever you’re planning to grow a cedar, dig hole three times the root ball on a place that receives good sunshine throughout the day.

In terms of soil, almost any soil would be a favorable option since it’s well-drained. On a growth rate of 1-2 feet/year, an average tree can grow up to 45 to 70 feet (exceptions reach 250 Feet in a native setting).

Water requirement is also a vital part to be considered while planting it. It wants a significant amount of water, especially in few growing seasons.

Further fertilization is not required, but yes, you can fertilize once a year for faster growth of the tree. Always remember that excess nitrogen can emit root burn, so don’t fertilize frequently.

Types of Cedar trees and identification

Although, there are only four categories of cedar as follows:

  • Cedrus libani.
  • Cedrus deodara
  • Cedrus brevifolia, and
  • Cedrus atlantica

Still, there’s something known as True and False cedar. You may wonder yet that what this is! So here we cover all of them step-wisely. And the fun fact is that, even after having just four types; There are 13 species. Look how?

True Cedar Trees

Atlas Cedar

Also knows as Blue Atlas, usually found in the regions of Atlas mountain where cedar tree leaves look bluish-green shaded.

Cyprian Cedar

The name of these categories automatically depicts their origin. In terms of Cyprian cedar; It is found in Cyprus island (mediterranean sea). It can be differentiated by its branches that are comparatively shorter than others.

Cedrus libani

Native to Southwest Asian parts of Syria and Lebanon, this tree carries powerful cultural symbolism. You may be surprised after knowing that being the National tree of Pakistan enhance the glory of the National Flag of Lebanon.

So in this aspect, you’re not in a regular article but about the top category of trees. Nice Choice!

Deodar Cedar Tree

And finally, the one and only Deodar Cedar Tree found in Himalayan regions of India has critical religious and spiritual needs. In the beginning, they form a pyramidical structure but turns to flatten after maturity.

If you ever visit The Great Himalaya in your life, Don’t forget to tell us the feel of the Cedar tree you’d read about once in life. This article is not the end, but starting of our friendship!

False Cedar Trees

This confusion usually occurs in North America, and that’s why the main target of this article is to reach an American audience. Well, false ones are not officially declared in the genus Cedrus. Either you are a gardener, environmentalist, or anyone, let’s understand the false cedar trees here:

Cupressus nootkatensis

Don’t get anxious due to the complicated botanical names. Remember it as Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Their prickly leaves and drooping branches are enough to identify this tree native to the Upper Northwest region of North America.

Juniperus bermudiana

Ever heard about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle? Well, nothing to worry about because Juniperus bermudiana is also known as Bermuda Cedar because it is native to the island of Bermuda.

Eastern Red Cedar Tree

Both eastern red cedar and Bermuda are the member of juniper genus. This species grows in a pyramidical structure. As standard, it also requires full sunlight, and it’s a favorite tree for birds. So if you’ve to differentiate between this and other species, listen to musical sounds of birds coming from which one.

Calocedrus decurrens

Be aware! Calocedrus decurrens aka, Incense Cedar, are the most selling FALSE cedar species. It would be available in garden stores, nurseries throughout California, Western North America, and Pacific Northwest.

This species remains in high demand for any function, decoration, or winter heyday. This conical-shaped cedar reaches a height up to 150 Feet.

Thuja occidentalis

Northern White Cedar is also famous as arborvitae receives its full potential only in prominent sunshine. It demands wet and moist soil.

Port Orford Cedar

It is the most common variety found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. With a height of 200 feet, this tree has unique brown and yellowish hue. It is also known as Lawson’s Cypress. The scientific name of the Port Orford Cedar tree is Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. (That’s why I had not revealed it yet).

Siberian Pine

This Siberian tree is a member of the white pine group, and their glory is they grow in bundles of five. So first of all, this is the top-most wrong tree because it is a pine tree, but still, confusion occurs. It is funny to say that this tree is on the list because their Russian name sounds incorrectly as Siberian cedar after translation.

The height of silly mistake!

Cedrela odorata

Despacito! No, I’m not singing, but you are more familiar with Spain if you remember this viral song. I used this sentence because Cedrela odorata refers to Spanish Cedar. It is commercially used to make cigar boxes.

The tree is Spanish native to South and Central America. The most common way it’s considered as false cedar because it emits ‘cedar scent.’ Its pink woods can quickly identify it. The sad news is that it’s not sustainable to use, so thanks to industrialization and HAARP (Oh, sorry, CLIMATE CHANGE)

So next time when you see a Cedrela Odorata, don’t forget to sing Des…Pa…cito!

Western Red Cedar

No more botanical name like Thuja plicata, I’m going to tell you, but the thing I tell is their cones are egg-shaped. Native to North America and the pacific coast, this tree grows in a pyramidical structure.

So these are all 13 species, including True and False cedar. Hope you’ve enjoyed and now able to identify. Google for cedar trees, identify them, return to this page, and comment below how much you identified clearly. (1)

Uses of the cedar tree

·         Cedar oil and wood are moth repellents that are used to make closets to contain woolen clothes.

·         The cedar of North America is durable. Hence they are used to make walls and clad roofs.

·         Due to their various variants, they are also used to make musical instruments like guitar. Guess the type?... TIME OVER! It's Western Red Cedar. Don’t worry, Nobody concludes in the first reading.

·         Its warping-resistant property makes it useful for interior paneling in rooms around the home.

·         They grow anywhere in any soil tree is vastly used to make furniture.

Medicinal benefits of the Cedar tree

medicinal uses of cedar tree


Cure Headache

In this running life, headache is prevalent. Proper sleep, meditation, and routine break can quickly cure this issue for a lifetime, but who wants to take these steps.

So here is cedar for you, just put two drops of cedar oil in the nose and cure several problems related to the head, nose, and throat. Apart from that, The coating of cedarwood should be applied to the head to relieve headaches.

Cure Nose bleeding

I know it sounds crazy, but Intense smoking of cedarwood is beneficial in rhinitis or nose bleeding. Bravo! Smoking can also be beneficial in some contexts.

Cure Scrofula and Goitre

Apply the paste by grinding indravaruni and cedar root and say goodbye to Scorufula and goiter.

Cure Ear pain

If the demon of ear pain has possessed you, the magic of cedar will help you cure it. Applying 1-2 drops of the oil derived from burning it on the root cedarwood soaked with oil reduces earache.

Cure Cough

See, Ayurveda is a vast science that gives a permanent cure to a problem. If you want to test, whenever you get a cough, make a solution of cedarwood oil, dry ginger, maric, peepal, and drink. You will indeed feel better than before.

Control Diabetes

Due to irregular sleeping, heavy eating, and doing all other nonsense things for temporary pleasure, people may have diabetes. Drink 15 Milliliter deodarristra and get rid of various diseases like diabetes, gout, leprosy, etc.

Also Read: Fir tree: What are the Fir tree uses and benefits

Heal Wounds

Its wood can be used to heal any old wound. All types of wounds can be healed by drinking their wood by making a lukewarm concoction.

Beneficial in Arthritis

Applying the grinds of cedarwood to the joints helps to relieve joint pain.

Beneficial in pain relief

Massage with cedarwood oil can reduce any pain.

Prevent from Infection

Cedar bark is an effective way to prevent infection. It has antibacterial properties which inhibit the growth of infection.

Help in Relief from Stomach Inflammation

The benefits of deodar leaves for intestinal problems are many. They reduce inflammation and provide pain relief due to cramps.

Treat Eczema

Cedarwood oil is an excellent remedy for eczema. It helps to decrease the severity of the condition.

Relieve Gout

Massage with cedar oil is a great way to relieve arthritis pain. Cedar oil has carminative qualities which provide relief for the pain of arthritis.

Cure pimples

Cedar oil may be beneficial for those suffering from acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling the condition. However, oil is a problem. Consult a doctor if you have more oily skin. Only use after consulting.

Conclusion

So finally you are here! Now you have complete information regarding the Cedar tree. You can easily differentiate between their all 13 varieties, and may you also take their medicinal benefits. It’s good that our nature already has such medicines that we discover on Tree Website.

So, in the end, if you’ve any queries, suggestions, or anything, then let us know by sounding off in the comments section.

Bhanu Prakash

Bhanu Prakash is the owner of Nekopoi APK where he shares all the information regarding trees for free all over the world. Bhanu Prakash shares benefits of a tree along with all the other required content.

If you've any query, then let us know by sounding off in comments section

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