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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cedar is a common English name for coniferous trees in the genus Cedrus, which are native to the Mediterranean region and the western Himalayas. In Canada and much of North America, the name cedar is also applied to several unrelated conifers in the cypress family, especially Thuja species. Because the word is used for multiple tree groups, “true cedar” usually refers specifically to Cedrus.

Taxonomy and naming

True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus in the pine family, Pinaceae. The common name cedar is also applied to several other conifers, so the term can be ambiguous. Britannica states that the genus includes four species, with three native to the Mediterranean mountains and one to the western Himalayas.

Distribution

Cedrus species are native to mountainous parts of the Mediterranean region and the western Himalayas. They are widely planted in temperate regions as ornamental trees.

Characteristics

Cedars are evergreen conifers with needle-like leaves and woody cones. They are known for fragrant, durable wood and a tall, stately growth form.

Cultural and practical uses

Cedar wood has long been used for construction, timber, and ornamental planting. In Canada, the name also has strong local use for Thuja species, including western red cedar and northern white cedar, which are important in forestry, landscaping, and Indigenous material culture.

Key facts

  • Cedrus is a genus of evergreen conifers commonly called true cedars.
  • The genus includes four species, with three native to the Mediterranean mountains and one to the western Himalayas.
  • Cedars are valued as ornamental and timber trees.
  • The name cedar is also used for unrelated trees in other genera, including Thuja.
  • In Canada, cedar often refers to Thuja species in the cypress family rather than Cedrus.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cedar?
Cedar usually refers to coniferous trees in the genus Cedrus, but the name is also used for several unrelated conifers, especially Thuja species in North America.
How many true cedar species are there?
Britannica describes Cedrus as containing four species.
Where are cedars native to?
True cedars are native to mountainous areas of the Mediterranean region and the western Himalayas.
Are Canadian cedars true cedars?
Often no. In Canada, “cedar” commonly refers to Thuja species in the cypress family, not Cedrus.
Why are cedars important?
They are planted as ornamentals and are also valued for timber, including fragrant and durable wood.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/cedar
    Supports: Cedrus as a genus of four evergreen conifer species; native range; ornamental and timber use.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cedar
    Supports: Canadian usage of cedar for Thuja species; distinction between true cedars and Canadian cedars; wood and cultural uses.
  3. 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.
  4. American Conifer Society — https://www.conifersociety.org/conifers/cedrus
    Supports: Cedrus as a conifer genus commonly known as cedar in the Pinaceae family.