Weeping Atlas Cedar. © Brandt Magic

Scientific name: Cedrus atlantica

Description:  The Atlas Cedar gets its name from the Atlas Mountains in northwest Africa. This hardy, evergreen tree is known to live up to 150 years and grows at a slow to moderate pace, about one to two feet a year. It produces an aromatic oil that acts as an insect deterrent. Weeping Atlas Cedars (pictured above) and Blue Atlas Cedars are common varieties of this tree.

Size: Average mature height of 40 to 60 feet and a spread of 30 to 40 feet. However, in their native habitat, they’re known to grow more than 120 feet tall.

Caution: In the urban landscape and when poorly cared for, it can be susceptible to bark beetles and other borers.

Leaf: Blueish-green needles grow about 1 1/2 inches long and in clusters of about 10-20 needles.

Fruit: Produces both male and female barrel-shaped cones. Male cones sit upright on lower branches and are about 2-3 inches long. Female cones are larger, grow high in the tree, and are purple-ish in color. 

Bark: Younger trees have smooth grey bark. As they age, they develop deep fissures and bark is a green-grey color.

Form: Grows in a pyramidal shape. With age, they will widen and flatten out.

Climate-Readiness:  Climate-ready throughout New Mexico; USDA zones 7B through 9B

Soils: Prefers well-drained, moist soils. Will grow in acidic, alkaline, and loamy soils. Will also tolerate drought.

Management/Care:  Prefers at least 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight and needs an average amount of water. Also prefers to be protected from the wind. Difficult to transplant.