Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Blue Atlas Cedar Tree Information

Blue atlas cedar is a coniferous evergreen. Its scientific name is Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'. Originally introduced into the United States fro Europe in 1845, Blue atlas cedar is a true cedar, unlike red cedar, which is actually a type of juniper. It's distinctively colored foliage makes it an interesting choice for planting as a specimen tree.

Growth Habits

Blue atlas cedars are slow growing, seldom adding over a foot of new growth in a year. They grow well from USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. The tree tends to spread and needs considerable room to grow properly. Cold weather can cause winter needle burn, although well established cedars usually recover well.

  • Blue atlas cedar is a coniferous evergreen.
  • Blue atlas cedars are slow growing, seldom adding over a foot of new growth in a year.

Description

The leaves of the blue atlas cedar are sprays of blueish-green to silver blue needles no more than 2 inches in length and remain on the tree throughout the year. The male flowers are 2-3 inches long and form on the lower parts of the plant. Larger, purplish, female flowers grow in the top branches, eventually forming dry, scaled cones, between 3-6 inches long, which conceal tiny seeds. The branches of the tree tend to droop, slightly. The bark is brown and smooth, eventually forming a scaly, plate-like surface.

Form

The tree has a spreading, open pyramidal form and can become very massive for a conifer. The average height is between 40 and 60 feet with a maximum width of around 40 feet. The trunk of the tree usually remains straight with branches radiating laterally. Older trees tend to become flat-topped.

  • The leaves of the blue atlas cedar are sprays of blueish-green to silver blue needles no more than 2 inches in length and remain on the tree throughout the year.

Culture

Blue atlas cedars grow best in full sun or partial shade. Soil conditions can be clay, loamy or sandy as long as they are well-draining. The tree can be difficult to transplant and should be started from container-grown plants. Protect the blue atlas cedar from windy conditions, particularly when young. The tree looks best when the lower branches are not pruned and are allowed to grow out from the trunk. Somewhat rare, blue atlas cedar can be difficult to find in nurseries and garden centers and may be expensive.

Uses

Its interesting form, size and color make the blue atlas cedar a good choice for planting in residential settings such as large lawns and parks. The tree is relatively tolerant of pollution and can handle urban environments.

  • Blue atlas cedars grow best in full sun or partial shade.
  • The tree can be difficult to transplant and should be started from container-grown plants.

Related Articles

Cedar Tree Types
Cedar Tree Types
The Best Fertilizer for Blue Spuce Trees
The Best Fertilizer for Blue Spuce Trees
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Blue Spruce?
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Blue Spruce?
Types of Juniper Trees in the New England States
Types of Juniper Trees in the New England States
How to Prune an Italian Cypress
How to Prune an Italian Cypress
Conifer Tree Facts
Conifer Tree Facts
How to Care for a Norway Spruce
How to Care for a Norway Spruce
Facts About the Gumball Tree
Facts About the Gumball Tree
Types of Evergreen Trees
Types of Evergreen Trees
Comparison of Blue Spruce & Blue Atlas Cedar
Comparison of Blue Spruce & Blue Atlas Cedar
What Does a Tulip Tree Look Like?
What Does a Tulip Tree Look Like?
Garden Guides
×