Coniferous Cedrus

Description

Characteristic Features of Cedar

Cedar (Cedrus) is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the pine family Pinaceae.
Cedar wood is very durable and is used to make furniture, musical instruments, and ships. All parts of this wonderful tree are used to treat various diseases. Furthermore, cedar is used in perfumery; its smell is believed to promote relaxation and boost energy. Since ancient times, Cedar has been a symbol of wealth and respect.

The genus Cedrus comprises only four species, each having ornamental cultivars:
Atlas Cedar (cedrus atlantica) with a pyramidal crown and bluish-green or silver needles.
Lebanon Cedar (cedrus libani) is a symbol of Lebanon and is noted for its wood without resin canals.

Cyprus Cedar (cedrus brevifolia) has bare or pubescent shoots and shorter dark green needles.

Deodar cedar (cedrus deodara) has a pyramidal crown and thin bluish-green needles.
Cedars are very ornamental and widely used for landscaping. They are not fussy and are as attractive as other conifers.

Currently, the name "cedar" is also used to refer to other trees that actually belong to other genera and are unrelated to Cedrus. They include Siberian Pine (pinus sibirica), Swiss Pine (pinus cembra), Korean Pine (pinus koraiensis), Creeping Pine (pinus pumila), Canadian Red Cedar (thuja plicata), Northern White Cedar (thuja occidentalis), Alaskan Yellow Cedar (supressus nootkatensis), and Spanish Cedar (sedrela odurata). The confusion results from the fact that all these trees look very similar to cedars and their growing methods are basically identical to those of cedars. However, the true Cedar is not hardy in our climate, unlike firs and pines, so gardeners mostly grow the so-called pseudo cedars.

The most popular of them is Siberian Pine (pinus sibirica). This tree has a superficial root system, a dense spreading crown, a slender dark grey trunk and deep green needles (about 10 centimetres long) that contain vitamin C, carotene, and vital minerals.
It is noteworthy that needles produce volatile oils and negative ions that help to purify the air. The wood of this tree is very durable and has antiseptic properties. The resin (sap) is efficient in healing wounds and various skin diseases. The fruit is an edible brown cedar nut, maturing inside light brown ovoid cones. It should be noted that Cedar has both male and female cones growing on the same tree. The nuts contain vitamins A, B, E, and F.

Wild Siberian Pine reaches 30 metres tall and lives up to 600 years. The ornamental varieties grow to just one metre tall. Siberian Pine is widely used in landscaping for its beautiful needles (currently, there are varieties with silver, blue-green, and blue-grey needles) and winter hardiness. This tree looks great both in single and group plantings. Lupine is often planted between Siberian Pines to promote their growth.

The Secrets to Successfully Growing Cedar

Cedars prefer sandy and loamy moist soils with plenty of minerals and good drainage. Dry soil is not suitable for this tree and it can be lost even during a short period of draught. Cedar loves light and thrives in sunny areas.

The basic care includes regular and moderate watering (increase watering in the summer), feeding with compound fertilizers, and pruning. Among other things, young trees need to be weeded. During the first ten years, gradually prune the lower branches near the trunk in the autumn and apply pruning paste to the cuts.

The easiest way of growing Cedar is using six- to eight-year-old seedlings. Water the seedling, carefully position it in a planting hole in a sunny location, fill in with soil mixed with fertilizer, mulch with sawdust, and water. It is best to plant a few trees nearby as it contributes to cross-pollination. Space the seedlings 6-9 metres apart.

Cedar is sometimes propagated by grafting into Scots Pine; however, propagation by seed is more common. Sow the seeds out in late September or early October in open ground and winter shelter with spruce branches to protect from rodents. In the spring, the shoots sprout easily but they can be pecked by the birds, so cover with polyethylene or lightweight material (cheesecloth or burlap). In addition, sheltering will protect young shoots from the scorching sun.

However, a more reliable way is to sow the seeds in the spring after prior stratification. First pre-soak the seeds for 2 hours in a potassium permanganate solution, then soak for about 3-5 days in water at 30-40 ° C, changing water every 1 or 2 days. Sow the seeds in a box filled with sludge-free wet river sand, keep at a room temperature, water occasionally, and mix well. A month and a half or two months later, at the end of April or early May, sow out 3 centimetres deep. To prevent diseases, dip the seeds in a pink potassium permanganate solution prior to planting. When the seeds sprout, prick out the seedlings to avoid overcrowding. Transplant two- or three-year-old seedlings to a permanent location.

Potential Problems

With poor care, Cedar can get stressed, especially in the summer, and start emitting certain substances that attract pests (bark beetles, jewel beetles, adelgids, long-horned beetles, and caterpillars). To prevent infestation, regularly treat the trees with antistress chemicals and insecticides.

When the tree is attacked by the bark beetle, the trunk tissues die. It is essential to prevent the penetration of pests under the bark, as you will not be able to save the tree once larvae appear. Once you notice holes on the trunk and branches with resin getting out, immediately take action.

Adelgids that looks like white fluff can suck sap from young shoots. To control the pests, use insecticides that will penetrate directly into the sap.

The cones and needles can be damaged by the cone moths, cloaked pugs, violet sawflies, or pine sawflies. Treat with Lepidocide.

In warm humid weather, Cedar can be affected by rust that causes yellow-brown spots on the needles. This disease is not dangerous for the tree. Much more damage may be caused by fungal sprout cancer. In waterlogged soil, Cedar may be affected by white root rot causing white spots on the trunk. At the first sign of the disease, treat with fungicides.