{"id":630,"date":"2026-10-12T11:32:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=630"},"modified":"2026-10-12T11:32:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:32:14","slug":"blue-atlas-cedar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/blue-atlas-cedar\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Atlas Cedar"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Cedrus<\/span> atlantica<\/span><\/em> v.<\/span> glauca<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Blue Atlas Cedar is a striking evergreen conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa. Renowned for its<\/span> silvery-blue<\/span> needles,<\/span> broad<\/span> branching<\/span> structure,<\/span> and<\/span> stately<\/span> form,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> among<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> recognizable<\/span> ornamental<\/span> conifers<\/span> planted<\/span> in<\/span> arboretums,<\/span> parks,<\/span> and<\/span> large<\/span> landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span> blue-needled<\/span> variety<\/span> of<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> (<\/span>Cedrus<\/span> atlantica<\/span><\/em>),<\/span> the<\/span> Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> is<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> year-round<\/span> color<\/span> and<\/span> distinctive<\/span> appearance.<\/span> Mature<\/span> specimens<\/span> often<\/span> become<\/span> landscape<\/span> landmarks,<\/span> developing<\/span> broad<\/span> horizontal<\/span> branches<\/span> and<\/span> an<\/span> impressive<\/span> canopy<\/span> that<\/span> can<\/span> persist<\/span> for<\/span> generations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Needles<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Evergreen<\/span> needles<\/span> borne<\/span> in<\/span> dense<\/span> clusters<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Silvery-blue<\/span> to<\/span> blue-green<\/span> in<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Typically<\/span> \u00bd<\/span> to<\/span> 1<\/span> inch<\/span> long<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stiff<\/span> but<\/span> not<\/span> sharply<\/span> pointed<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Remain<\/span> on<\/span> the<\/span> tree<\/span> year-round<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Gray<\/span> to<\/span> dark<\/span> gray<\/span> bark<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Smooth<\/span> on<\/span> young<\/span> trees<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Develops<\/span> ridges<\/span> and<\/span> furrows<\/span> with<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Cones<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Upright<\/span> barrel-shaped<\/span> cones<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Typically<\/span> 2<\/span> to<\/span> 4<\/span> inches<\/span> long<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Green<\/span> when<\/span> young,<\/span> maturing<\/span> to<\/span> brown<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Disintegrate<\/span> on<\/span> the<\/span> tree<\/span> to<\/span> release<\/span> seeds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 40<\/span> to<\/span> 60<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Can<\/span> exceed<\/span> 80<\/span> feet<\/span> under<\/span> favorable<\/span> conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 30<\/span> to<\/span> 50<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Growth<\/span> Form<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Pyramidal<\/span> when<\/span> young<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Broadens<\/span> with<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Develops<\/span> strong<\/span> horizontal<\/span> branching<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mature<\/span> trees<\/span> often<\/span> have<\/span> a<\/span> dramatic,<\/span> sculptural<\/span> appearance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Native<\/span> Range<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> is<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Mountains<\/span> of<\/span> Morocco<\/span> and<\/span> Algeria<\/span> in<\/span> northwestern<\/span> Africa.<\/span> The<\/span> blue-needled<\/span> variety,<\/span> Cedrus<\/span> atlantica<\/span><\/em> var.<\/span> glauca<\/span><\/em>,<\/span> was<\/span> selected<\/span> and<\/span> cultivated<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> distinctive<\/span> foliage<\/span> color.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Within<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum,<\/span> Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> is<\/span> classified<\/span> as<\/span> a<\/span> Non-Native<\/span><\/strong> species.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Although<\/span> not<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> North<\/span> America,<\/span> Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> provides<\/span> many<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> environmental<\/span> benefits<\/span> associated<\/span> with<\/span> large<\/span> evergreen<\/span> trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> dense<\/span> canopy<\/span> provides:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Year-round<\/span> shelter<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Nesting<\/span> opportunities<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Protection<\/span> from<\/span> winter<\/span> weather<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Shade<\/span> and<\/span> cooling<\/span> benefits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              The<\/span> tree<\/span> also<\/span> contributes<\/span> structure,<\/span> biodiversity,<\/span> and<\/span> visual<\/span> interest<\/span> within<\/span> the<\/span> landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

              Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> is<\/span> widely<\/span> regarded<\/span> as<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> beautiful<\/span> ornamental<\/span> conifers<\/span> in<\/span> cultivation.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The<\/span> species<\/span> is<\/span> valued<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Distinctive<\/span> blue<\/span> foliage<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Broad<\/span> architectural<\/span> form<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Longevity<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Drought<\/span> tolerance<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Year-round<\/span> ornamental<\/span> appeal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> wood<\/span> has<\/span> historically<\/span> been<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> durability<\/span> and<\/span> aromatic<\/span> qualities.<\/span> In<\/span> modern<\/span> landscapes,<\/span> however,<\/span> the<\/span> tree<\/span> is<\/span> planted<\/span> primarily<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> ornamental<\/span> character<\/span> and<\/span> commanding<\/span> presence.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Numerous<\/span> cultivars<\/span> have<\/span> been<\/span> developed,<\/span> including<\/span> weeping<\/span> and<\/span> dwarf<\/span> forms.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> contributes<\/span> year-round<\/span> color<\/span> and<\/span> texture<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum.<\/span> Its<\/span> blue<\/span> foliage<\/span> provides<\/span> a<\/span> striking<\/span> contrast<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> greens<\/span> of<\/span> surrounding<\/span> trees,<\/span> while<\/span> its<\/span> broad<\/span> branching<\/span> habit<\/span> makes<\/span> it<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> visually<\/span> distinctive<\/span> conifers<\/span> on<\/span> campus.<\/span><\/p>\n

                As a<\/span> non-native<\/span> species,<\/span> Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span> helps<\/span> illustrate<\/span> the<\/span> global<\/span> diversity<\/span> of<\/span> trees<\/span> represented<\/span> within<\/span> the<\/span> arboretum<\/span> and<\/span> demonstrates<\/span> how<\/span> trees<\/span> from<\/span> different<\/span> continents<\/span> contribute<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> educational<\/span> and<\/span> aesthetic<\/span> value<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> campus<\/span> landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Blue<\/span> Atlas<\/span> Cedar<\/span>
                \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Cedrus<\/span> atlantica<\/span><\/em> var.<\/span> glauca<\/span><\/em>
                \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Pinaceae<\/span>
                \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> Non-Native<\/span>
                \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 40-60<\/span> feet<\/span> (occasionally<\/span> 80+<\/span> feet)<\/span>
                \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 30-50<\/span> feet<\/span>
                \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Moderate<\/span>
                \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span>
                \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Well-drained<\/span> soils;<\/span> tolerant<\/span> of<\/span> drought<\/span> once<\/span> established<\/span>
                \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 6-9<\/span>
                \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> Fall<\/span> pollen<\/span> production<\/span>
                \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Upright<\/span> cones<\/span> that<\/span> disintegrate<\/span> on<\/span> the<\/span> tree<\/span> at<\/span> maturity<\/span>
                \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Provides<\/span> year-round<\/span> shelter,<\/span> nesting<\/span> habitat,<\/span> and<\/span> environmental<\/span> benefits<\/span> associated<\/span> with<\/span> evergreen<\/span> trees<\/span>
                \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Silvery-blue<\/span> needles,<\/span> broad<\/span> branching<\/span> structure,<\/span> and<\/span> impressive<\/span> ornamental<\/span> form<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Cedrus atlantica v. glauca Overview The Blue Atlas Cedar is a striking evergreen conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa. Renowned for its silvery-blue needles, broad branching structure, and stately form, it is among the most recognizable ornamental conifers planted in arboretums, parks, and large landscapes. A blue-needled variety of Atlas Cedar (Cedrus<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-630","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/630","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=630"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/630\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":631,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/630\/revisions\/631"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=630"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}