Cedar Trees

Cedrus is a genus of evergreen conifers in the pine family, commonly called true cedars. The genus occurs in separated mountain regions of North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean, and the western Himalaya, and its species differ in mature form, climate tolerance, and landscape scale. [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cedrus/) summarizes the genus distribution and taxonomic variation; [Kew's Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/676705-1) places Cedrus libani in Pinaceae and records its eastern Mediterranean range. ## Form and landscape use Cedars are long-lived structural trees suited to spacious landscapes, parks, and specimen planting. Many develop a pyramidal crown when young and broaden with age, but cultivar and species differences can produce narrow, weeping, or colored forms. Confirm the species and selection before reserving space for mature growth; one genus-level size or hardiness range would hide meaningful variation. ## Growing conditions Choose a bright site with well-drained soil. Kew records several geographically distinct species, so climate and water guidance should be checked against the exact species and cultivar rather than generalized across Cedrus. ## Maintenance Allow the tree to develop its natural framework and remove damaged or poorly placed growth as needed. Once established, many specimens require little routine pruning, but a planting site should accommodate the eventual canopy. The 2025 Yavapai County guide lists Cedrus at genus scope among fire-prone plants. This is a fire-hazard warning, not an individual assessment of every species or cultivar. Follow the guide's placement and maintenance guidance. ## FireSmart BC hazard warning [FireSmart BC](https://firesmartbc.ca/landscaping-hub/fire-resistant-plants/#fire-hazards) lists Cedrus as Highest Risk in its fire hazard table. This is a broad genus-level warning, not an individual assessment of every species or cultivar; follow local placement and maintenance guidance. ## Yavapai County — 2025 source scope and care The [University of Arizona Yavapai County bulletin](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/FirewisePlants3-14-2025.pdf), page 3, lists Cedar with the botanical cell Cedrus sp. and form T. It places this entry in its fire-prone list. The matched catalog name is Cedrus. Source form codes: C=groundcover, G=grass, P=perennial, S=shrub, T=tree and V=vine. Printed names and form codes can include source spelling errors or historical taxonomic treatments; the source wording is retained separately from the catalog name and plant-specific habit. The bulletin warns that fire-prone plants can ignite readily and burn intensely, and should be removed or aggressively maintained when near a home, road or driveway. For native trees it calls for removing dead material, keeping limbs out of the lower 6–10 feet and clearing shrubs beneath the canopy. For other fire-prone natives it calls for isolated stands more than 30 feet from structures. Apply current local requirements and pruning suited to the identified plant. No plant is fireproof. Keep this Yavapai classification separate from Arizona UA, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado and other source ratings and their placement, moisture and maintenance conditions.