Atlas Cedar

Atlas cedar (*Cedrus atlantica*) is an evergreen conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Its crown starts pyramidal and broadens with age, while its needles range from green to silvery blue. ## Form and use Use this large tree as a specimen in an open lawn, park, or spacious landscape. The University of Connecticut reports typical heights of 40–60 feet and says trees in optimum conditions may reach 100 feet tall and 40 feet wide; the American Conifer Society records mature trees up to 125 feet. Allow ample room for its mature crown and keep it away from overhead lines. [UConn Plant Database](https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=95) and the [American Conifer Society](https://conifersociety.org/conifers/cedrus-atlantica) describe the species and its variable size. ## Site conditions Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil. Utah State University notes that Atlas cedar grows well in warm sites with good moisture and recommends it as a specimen tree. Water while the root system establishes, and avoid poorly drained ground. [Utah State University TreeBrowser](https://extension.usu.edu/treebrowser/catalog/cedar-atlas) lists USDA zones 6–9. ## Maintenance Choose a permanent planting location because Atlas cedar can be difficult to transplant. Protect young trees from sweeping winds and water during prolonged dry weather while roots establish. The mature canopy needs open space to develop its broad, picturesque form.