Family: Pinaceae
Common names: Deodar cedar, Deodar, Deodar, Himalayan cedar, Indian cedar, Devadaru
When I researched about this tree, I figured that it’s very popular in India, and is the state tree of Himachal Pradesh.
But I only had the fortune to photograph this beautiful, majestic tree at Georgia, outside the Holy Trinity Church in Tbilisi, which had rows and rows of tall, stately Deodar cedar and Atlas cedar.
Tree Characteristics
Cedrus deodara is a large evergreen conifer that can reach 40 to 60 m in height with a broad, conical crown that becomes more spreading with age.
The trunk is thick and straight, often 2 to 3 m in diameter, covered in dark gray to brown bark that becomes deeply fissured over time.
Leaves are soft and tender needles about 3 to 5 cm long, borne in dense clusters along the branches and colored bluish-green to gray-green. They are arranged in pretty little rosettes long the stems.
Cones are upright, barrel-shaped, and about 7 to 12 cm long, starting green and maturing to brown before breaking apart on the tree. This species is native to the western Himalayas, growing naturally in cool mountain regions.
These trees are very clostly related to Cedrus atlantica or the Atlas cedar, both having very similar leaves and canopies.
Gardening Tips
Deodar cedar grows best in full sun and prefers deep, well-drained soil with some moisture retention. It tolerates a range of soils but does poorly in waterlogged ground, especially when young.
Once established, it becomes fairly drought tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during long dry periods.
Allow plenty of space, as the tree can spread 10 to 15 m wide over time. Pruning is rarely needed beyond removing dead or damaged branches, and shaping should be avoided to preserve its natural form.
The roots are generally deep and not aggressive, making it suitable for large gardens and park settings rather than small yards.
Uses of Cedrus deodara
Deodar cedar is widely planted as ornamental trees for its graceful drooping branches and soft foliage, which give it a calm, majestic appearance. It is often used as a specimen tree in large landscapes, estates, and temple grounds.
The wood is aromatic, durable, and naturally resistant to insects and rot, making it valuable for construction, furniture, and traditional building.
In traditional medicine, extracts and oils from the tree has been used in armotherapy for its deep, woody scent. It is also used in making soaps, perfumes, and floor polished.
The essential oil obtained from the wood of the Deodar trees are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as for protecting stored items from insects.
Parts of the tree are used in the treatment of fever, stomach disorders, diabetes, kidney stones, skin diseases, snake bites, and tuberculosis.
Wood from the tree is used for making furnitures and boats, since they are resistant to termites.
Deodar trees called Devadaru in India is considered a divine tree, mentioned in many religious writings.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and grafting.
Seeds collected from mature cones are sown fresh for best results. Seedlings grow slowly at first and benefit from protection from strong wind and intense heat during their early years.
Photographed at: Holy Trinity Church, Tbilisi
