Atlas Cedar
Researched by Israt Jashim
Species: Cedrus atlanticaCommon name: Atlas Cedar
Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Clade: Gymnosperms (non-flowering seed plants)
Coordinates: 39.70600171, -75.11818794
A tag using this number is placed near the tree.
Native to the Atlas Mountains in Northern Africa, Atlas cedar was introduced to the United States in 1845. Sometimes referred to as “blue Atlas cedar” for the tree’s vibrant blue-green needles, Cedrus atlantica is light and strong and provides a good windbreak for other plant life. The species is also tolerant of urban areas, air pollution, and dry and hot temperatures. Since their introduction, Atlas cedars have expanded across the U.S. and north to Canada.
Atlas cedar can grow to 60 feet high and spread to 40 feet wide. The trees grow slowly, about one foot per year. The oldest recorded Atlas cedar is in Morocco, with an estimated lifespan of around 700 years. Along with their blue-green needles, Atlas cedars have a distinctive bark with a brown and silver polish running up the trunk in a fissured pattern. The bark produces an aromatic oil that acts as a natural insect repellent, and its scent has calming properties and health benefits. Due to its anti-insect aroma, Atlas cedar is often used to make chests, other types of furniture, and closets to protect clothes from moths.
Campus Species Map
Researcher’s Biography
Israt Jashim
In 2024, Israt Jashim earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computing & Informatics.
Suggested Citation:
Jashim, Israt. (2022, Dec). Atlas Cedar. Rowan University Arboretum. https://arboretum.rowan.edu/trees/atlas-cedar/
Questions to Explore
- What organisms in North America are Atlas cedar trees benefitting?
- How are surrounding plants and trees in North America affected by Atlas cedar trees?
- How has the oldest Atlas cedar in Morocco continue to thrive after 700 years?
References
Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica). (2017). National Museum of American Illustration. | Link
Atlas Cedar-Cedrus atlantica. Arbor Day Foundation. | Link
Blue Atlas Cedar. (2022). Yale University Yale Nature Walk. | Link
Cedrus atlantica / atlas cedar: Conifer species. American Conifer Society. (n.d.). | Link
El Bakkali, & Amraoui, M. B. (2022). Morphological and Anatomical Characterization of Ecotype Needles of Cedrus atlantica in Morocco. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2022, 1–11. | Link
Jaouadi, Cherrad, S., Bouyahya, A., Koursaoui, L., Satrani, B., Ghanmi, M., & Chaouch, A. (2021). Chemical variability and antioxidant activity of Cedrus atlantica Manetti essential oils isolated from wood tar and sawdust. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 14(12), 103441–. | Link
Missaoui, Gharzouli, R., Djellouli, Y., & Messner, F. (2019). Phenological behavior of Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) forest to snow and precipitation variability in Boutaleb and Babors Mountains, Algeria. Biodiversitas (Surakarta), 21(1). | Link
Rowan University Resources
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Effects of Atlas Cedar defoliation on performance of the pine processionally moth | Link
Increasing Drought Sensitivity and Decline of Atlas Cedar in the Moroccan Middle Atlas Forsests | Link
The decline of Algerian Cedrus atlantica forests is driven by a climate shift towards drier conditions | Link