Most Trees Called Cedar Are Not Cedars
A cedar is an evergreen conifer prized for its scented wood. Botanically only four species qualify, though dozens of trees carry the name.
A cedar is an evergreen conifer with fragrant, rot-resistant wood. Botanically the true cedars are the four species of the genus *Cedrus* — the cedar of Lebanon and its relatives. Almost everything else sold as cedar is something else: western red cedar is a *Thuja*, and the aromatic wood lining wardrobes is usually a juniper. The cedar of Lebanon appears on the Lebanese flag and in the building of Solomon's temple.
- An evergreen conifer. *A stand of cedars.*
- The wood. *A cedar chest.*
- Cedar of Lebanon — the emblematic species. *The cedar of Lebanon.*
- Cedarwood oil — the fragrance. *Cedarwood oil.*
- Cedrus — the true genus. *Only four Cedrus species.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | cedar | A tall cedar. |
| Plural | cedars | The cedars of Lebanon. |
| Adjective | cedar | A cedar shingle. |
| Compound | cedarwood | Cedarwood oil. |
| Latin | cedrus | The true genus. |
- The roof is clad in cedar shingles.Building.
- Moths avoid a cedar-lined chest.The scent.
- The cedar of Lebanon appears on the national flag.Symbol.
True cedars and false ones
- Cedar of Lebanon, Atlas, Cyprus, deodar — the genuine *Cedrus*
- Western red cedar — actually a *Thuja*
- Eastern red cedar — actually a juniper
- Spanish cedar — a tropical hardwood, unrelated
- The name spread because the scent and rot resistance are similar
Old French *cedre*, from Latin *cedrus*, from Greek *kedros*. The tree was known across the Mediterranean world for its timber and resin.
Is western red cedar a real cedar?
No. It belongs to the genus Thuja. Only the four Cedrus species are true cedars.
Why does cedar repel moths?
Aromatic oils in the heartwood deter some insects. The effect fades as the wood ages and the oils evaporate.