Cedar
Cedar is a common English name for coniferous trees in the genus Cedrus, which are native to the Mediterranean region and the western Himalayas.
Cedar refers to conifers of the genus Cedrus (true cedars), native to the Mediterranean and Himalayas. In Canada, the name is more commonly used for Thuja species like western red cedar.
What is cedar?
True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus in the pine family (Pinaceae). The common name 'cedar' is also applied to several unrelated conifers, especially Thuja species in the cypress family. In Canada, Thuja species such as western red cedar and northern white cedar are commonly called cedar.
Where are cedars found?
Cedrus species are native to mountainous parts of the Mediterranean region and the western Himalayas. They are widely planted as ornamentals in temperate regions worldwide. In Canada, Thuja cedars are native to forests in British Columbia and eastern Canada.
Why is cedar important?
Cedars are valued for their fragrant, durable wood, used in construction, timber, and ornamental planting. In Canada, Thuja species hold cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and are important in forestry and landscaping.
In short
- True cedars are genus Cedrus, four species.
- In Canada, 'cedar' often means Thuja species.
- Cedar wood is durable and fragrant.
- Native to Mediterranean and Himalayas.
In Canada, the word cedar commonly refers to Thuja species such as western red cedar and northern white cedar, which are important in forestry, landscaping, and Indigenous material culture.
Quick questions
What is a cedar?
Are Canadian cedars true cedars?
How many true cedar species are there?
Sources
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/cedarSupports: Cedrus as a genus of four evergreen conifer species; native range; ornamental and timber use.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cedarSupports: Canadian usage of cedar for Thuja species; distinction between true cedars and Canadian cedars; wood and cultural uses.
- Woodland Trust — https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/cedar/Supports: Cedrus libani as cedar of Lebanon; family Pinaceae; native range and general tree characteristics.
- American Conifer Society — https://www.conifersociety.org/conifers/cedrusSupports: Cedrus as a conifer genus commonly known as cedar in the Pinaceae family.