How Do Cedar Trees Reproduce?

Cedar trees (genus Cedrus) are a a cousin of fir trees (genus Abies) and a member of the family Pinaceae. Since other species of trees, such as the western red cedar, are commonly called cedars, trees in the genus Cedrus are sometimes termed "true cedars."

Appearance

Cedars are evergreen trees with gray bark, barrel-shaped cones and needles similar to those of pine trees. They are tall, usually 30 to 40 meters high, and have strong-smelling wood, which is valuable in trade.

Flowers

Male flowers are up to 5 cm long and have yellow pollen. Female flowers are red and surrounded by needles at the base.

Cones

Cedar cones develop when a flower is fertilized. They take a year to mature, then disintegrate to release the seeds.

Seeds

Cedar seeds are triangle-shaped and covered with resin, which may discourage squirrels from eating them.

Planting

Before planting, cedar seeds should be soaked in a weak bleach solution, followed by cold treatment for a month. They should be planted in spring.

References

• Cedar
• Cedrus (Cedars) Description
• Cedar Tree