How to Identify the Deodar Cedar

Leaf Identification

The leaves of the Deodar Cedar are 1″ to 2″ long needles. Unlike true pines, the leaves are not in fascicles. These leaves grow singly at first then later develop spur shoots. They are a bluish-green to silvery and stay attached all year long.

  • Leaves of Arbor Walk #34
  • Leaves of Arbor Walk #34

Twig and Bud Identification

The twigs of the Deodar Cedar are silvery-gray with numerous short spur shoots. The buds are very small and round.

  • Leaves and Twigs of Arbor Walk #34
  • Bud of Arbor Walk #34

Bark Identification

The Deodar Cedar has smooth and grayish-brown bark when young that matures into short furrows with scaly ridge-tops.

  • Bark of Arbor Walk #34

Cone Identification

The Deodar Cedar has upright cones that are typically 3″ to 4″ long and 3″ wide. They are usually resinous. The male cones are 2″ to 3″ long on the lower parts of the crown. The female cones form purplish on the upper portion of the crown. They mature into a reddish-brown color over the span of multiple years.

[photo forthcoming]