Common names: Atlas cedar 

Irish name: Céadar Atlais 

Latin name: Cedrus atlantica 

Family: Pinacea 

Origin: Non native

Tree type: Deciduous broadleaf tree

How it looks

Shape, bark, twigs 

Atlas cedar is a large tree, conical or pyramid-shaped, domed when mature with large ascending branches. It can reach heights of up to 40 metres. The bark makes a boxy pattern of rectangle shapes as the tree ages. 

Cones

Male and female cones are produced on the same tree. It has smaller seed cones than Cedrus libani, that are only up to 8cm long and the male pollen cones are shorter, up to 4 cm. The cones are purplish when young. The female wood barrel-shaped cones sit on top of the branches. The smaller male cones release their pollen in the autumn; the three-inch female cones take two years to develop. 

Leaves 

The Atlas cedar has shiny, green needles 1-3cm in length in clusters which are borne along the stems. They also have 5-7cm tall cones that have a purplish tone when young.

Similar species 

It resembles the cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), which was introduced two centuries earlier, the Atlas cedar differs with its spreading branches instead of ascending ones. Other related species include the Glauca varieties such as the Blue Atlas Cedar. This has striking blue green foliage. 

Where to find it

It is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. It grows well in coastal locations. At present, Morocco boasts the largest expanse of Atlas cedar worldwide, comprising extensive forests within the country's humid regions. Cedrus atlantica is increasingly popular in temperate regions as an ornamental tree, prized for its ability to thrive in dry and hot climates.  

Cultural importance

History | Myth

History 

Alongside juniper and olive, the wood of Atlas cedar has enabled the expression and development of Moroccan woodcraft for centuries. The interiors of buildings such as the Almoravid Koubba and the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Morocco showcase the exquisite geometric designs carved in or painted on cedar that characterised Moroccan architecture from as early as the 12th century. It is used especially for this type of work due to its durability and natural aroma.  

Atlas cedar is also valued for the antiseptic oil it produces, which has been traditionally used to treat ailments such as cystitis, bronchitis and certain skin diseases. Due to its aromatic properties, the oil has also long been used in the production of perfume. Indeed, the ancient Egyptians used the oil to make perfume, medicines and for embalming mummies. 

The English botanist Philip Barker Web encountered the Atlas cedar in Morocco in 1827 and it was eventually introduced to Britain and Ireland in 1840s, where it was cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Beautiful examples can still be seen at Emo Court, County Laois and the Powerscourt House estate in County Wicklow. 

Atlas cedars can live for hundreds of years. One of the oldest known specimens, the Cèdre Gourard in Morocco, lived for 900 years before it died in 2003. However, the trunk of the dead tree still stands in the reserve.

Myth, Legend and Folklore 

Historically, the Atlas cedar has been a symbol of strength and endurance for the communities of the Atlas Mountains. Throughout history, the tree has been linked with various deities and revered as a ‘tree of the Gods’. Hence, why it was often used in the construction of religious buildings. In some traditions it was believed to have protective qualities and to be a link between heaven and earth.

Value to wildlife

It offers an essential habitat for endangered species like the Barbary Macaque, a primate historically found across northern Morocco and Algeria. 

Threats

It may be susceptible to honey fungus and conifer aphid. Wood harvesting and firewood are the leading cause of the decline of this species.  Forests are smaller than they were in the past.  However, massive reforestation campaigns are taking place in some regions.

Uses

It is a source of cedar oil. It is an important timber tree in North Africa, being used in construction and furniture making. It grows very well in temperate climates, making it a popular ornamental tree. Cedrus atlantica plantations, primarily for timber, have been set up in France. 

References

Abdelkader, M. H. 2023. Moroccan Woodworking: A Reflection of Berber Culture, Moroccan Woodworking. Moroccan Woodworking: A Reflection Of Berber Culture 

European Forest Genetics Resource Programme. N.d. Cedrus atlantica: Atlas cedar, European Forest Genetics Resource Programme. Cedrus atlantica - EUFORGEN European forest genetic resources programme

Forestry. 2023. Atlas Cedar Tree, Forestry.com. Atlas Cedar Tree - Forestry.com

Purcell, T. 2018. Tree of the Month: Atlas Cedar, Shelter Island Reporter. Tree of the Month: Atlas Cedar - Shelter Island Reporter (timesreview.com) 

Rankel, K. 2018. What Do Atlas Cedar Flowers Mean?, Greg App Website.What Do Atlas Cedar Flowers Mean? (greg.app) 

Rankel, K. 2024. 10 Advantages of Having a Atlas Cedar, Greg App Website. 10 Advantages of Having a Atlas Cedar (greg.app) 

Savill, P. and Wilson, S. M. 2015. Cedrus, True Cedars: Silviculture and properties, The Royal Forestry Society, 107(2), 168-173. *Layout 1 (rfs.org.uk) 

Yale University. 2024. Blue Atlas Cedar, Yale Nature Walk, Yale University. Blue Atlas Cedar | Yale Nature Walk