Atlas cedar Cedrus atlantica
Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Atlas and Rif mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It grows 20–35 m (66–115 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan Atlas cedar in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Atlas cedar at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 20–35 m (66–115 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Atlas and Rif mountains of Morocco and Algeria |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Atlas cedar toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Atlas cedar
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Atlas cedar
- How far apart should I plant Atlas cedar?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Atlas cedar need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Atlas cedar need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Atlas cedar?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- Is Atlas cedar poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Atlas cedar?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Atlas cedar. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
Notes and assumptions
- Blue-grey forms (Glauca group) are popular specimens. Endangered in the wild (IUCN), where Barbary macaques live in its forests.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis