Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘glauca’)

About this specimen: This yard tree may be viewed this where it shades the sidewalk along Lombard Street.

Leaf arrangement: sharp silvery blue evergreen needles sprout in bunches from spurs.

Branches: One clue to discerning the difference between a Deodar (a “true” cedar) and an Atlas cedar: Deodar’s branches droop heavily while Atlas’ rise slightly (D for descending/Deodar and A for ascending/Atlas). An even easier way – if the tree is growing in the center of cold city such as this one is, it’s an Atlas. Deodars grow exclusively in warm climates.

Bark: dark gray furrowed bark, smoother on younger branches. Note the horizontal holes drilled in the bark by sapsuckers, a variety of woodpecker.

Flowers: inconspicuous flowers in spring; release yellow pollen in the fall.
Fruit: resin-oozing 2 – 3” cones grow only on upper branches and rise straight up Average mature size in city: 40-70’ tall,30-50’ wide, 2-3’thick
Origin: native to North Africa’s Atlas Mountains

Other notable features: The ancient Egyptians used oil extracted from Blue Atlas cedar
wood for embalming, cosmetics, perfumery, incense and medicinal purposes. The aroma serves to naturally ward off insects, making the wood a popular choice for modern furniture builders.