Tree 13

Cedrus deodara

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Quick Facts

Genus: Cedrus

Species: deodara

Common Names: Deodar Cedar

Mature Size: 40 metres
Height: 11 metres
Width: 9.7 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 72cm

Age of Tree: Semi-mature, this exotic tree has been growing in compacted soil for many years, limiting its growth and health.

Place of Origin: Himalayas, as heights between 1200-3000 metres above sea level.

Plant Habit: Usually a single trunked tree with a short to medium height trunk before lateral limbs develop into a broad spreading tree.

Growth Habit: Slow to medium, depending on position; poor soil conditions will slow their growth.

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Story

There are two surviving trees of this species which could have been planted on the 25th of July 1905 when 100 trees were planted in Caledonian Park.

Alternatively, these trees could have been planted in accordance with a Master Plan, drawn up by a Mr Riddle around 1907 for the whole of Caledonian Park to the cost of Pounds 3 3/-.

Firstly the famous Mr Guilfoyle (of Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens fame) was asked but was not available and Mr Fleming from Taylor and Sangster in Macedon laid out the drive and paths. Mr W.S. Riddle then prepared the master plan to scale.

Unfortunately this plan is now lost.

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Horticultural Information

Preffered Conditions: Prefers well drained soil, with some organic matter and a reasonable level of nutrients.

Tolerances: Not tolerant of waterlogging for any periods. Mild tolerance to compacted soils.

Pests: Prone to over gazing by possums.

Oils: The wood of this tree is highly perfumed with oils, this give it a strong resistance to wood decay fungi, termites and other pests.

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Long; there a specimens of this tree planted in Britain now more than 350 years of age and growing well.

Significance: A long lived and attractive tree, prized for its stately appearance in parks and large gardens.

Flowering Characteristics: Monecious, with male and female flowers on all trees. Male strobili are found near branch tips in spring. Female cones are held upright on stems, 8-12cm high and 6-7cm wide. They break up on stem releasing winged seeds, a leaving behind a vertical spike; this can impact arborists when working in these trees. These cones appear annually; with a mast year every second-third year.

Features: Foliage are needles, 3-5cm long, held on woody pegs, that grow longer each year as old needles are shed and new foliage emerges at the tips. In my experience, this type of conifer can re-shoot on these pegs after defoliation, provided it can occur within 3-4 months of impact.

Points of Interest: Attractive tree for large gardens.

Historical Interest / Context: Often seen as a tree marking entrances to large properties; shading areas of large ornamental gardens. At ‘Alton’ on Mt Macedon a tree of this type exceeds 41m in height.

Additional Notes

The wood of this type of tree is highly prized, due to being straight grained, resistant to termites and wood decay fungi. It works easily and does not crack once seasoned; its natural oils retain their pleasant perfume for the life of the wood. Used for furniture, beams in houses in home range, shingles for rooves and detailed carvings.

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