Deodar Cedar

Botanical Name: 
Cedrus deodara
Family: 
Pine Family (Pinaceae)
Origin: 
Native to Himalayas
At Hearst Castle: 
One located at Main Terrace, two near the tennis courts, and many in the Pergola area. Deodar cedars were planted in W. R. Hearst's time; for example, several deodar cedars were growing east of La Casa del Monte, but they were removed when the North Terrace and Entrance were started in 1929. Hearst also planted the closely related Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'); these are the bluish gray conifers below La Casa del Mar.
Comments: 
Cedrus deodara is deep rooted and drought tolerant once established. There are several named cultivars which are grafted to seedlings. Our trees are probably from seedlings, not named cultivars. It is an important timber tree in India. Wood is used for furniture, panelling, and railroad ties. The fragrance of the wood renders it insect resistant. Clothing stored in closets (as at Hearst Castle) and chests made with cedar wood is usually safe from moths. The word, "cedrus" is derived from the Greek word for cedar, "kedros."
Description: 
Evergreen, conifer tree with somewhat drooping branches; fast growing to 80 feet. This a true cedar which bears dark bluish-green, 1-2 inch-long needles in tufted clusters. Cones are rounded, 3-5 inches long and grow erect on the top of branches; cones do not fall intact from the tree, but fall apart, scale-by-scale.