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Blue Atlas Cedar


Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Leaves: Evergreen. 30 to 40 stiff needles are 1 inch long and grow in dense clusters off a spur or short twig like a firework. Bluish green to silvery-blue color.

Bark/Twigs: Dark gray furrowed bark. Smoother on younger branches.

Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous flowers in spring. Releases yellow pollen in the fall. Female cones are 2 to 3 inches long by 2 inches wide and only grow on upper branches. They start out purple-green and turn brown at maturity.

Mature size and shape: Large. 40 to 60 feet high x 30 to 40 feet wide. Pyramidal with slightly weeping limbs. Top flattens with age.

General information/special features: Plant in full sun. Moist, deep rich soil with good drainage is best. Adapts to sandy and clay soils if no standing water is present.

Landscape use and maintenance: Extremely elegant in form and color. Use as a specimen tree. Plant in a large, open area. Slow growing rate. Low maintenance. Difficult to transplant and establish.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9

Family/Origin: Pinaceae – Pine. Native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria.

Campus Use: Common. Beautiful mature grove can be found south of Architecture (Bld 37) and north of Marcia & John Price Art Museum (Bld 35).

Last Updated: 6/3/22