Cedar: true and false cedars, history and smoke safety
“Cedar” covers very different trees: true cedars, thujas, junipers. History of the cedars of Lebanon and the Atlas, conservation status and safety.
Key points
| True cedars | Genus Cedrus (Pinaceae): Lebanon cedar, Atlas cedar, Himalayan cedar, Cyprus cedar |
|---|---|
| Common false cedars | Thuja (white cedar), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) |
| Origin of true cedars | Mediterranean mountains (Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, Cyprus) and western Himalayas |
| Part used | Wood, shavings, needles, essential oil |
| Scent | Woody, warm, resinous, slightly sweet |
| Conservation status | Atlas cedar: endangered; Lebanon cedar: vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Point of caution | Sparks, treated wood, thujone in false cedars |
What is a cedar?
Strictly speaking, cedars are conifers of the genus Cedrus, in the Pinaceae family (the family of pines and firs). Four are recognised:
| Cedar | Name | Where it grows | IUCN status (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon cedar | Cedrus libani | Lebanon, Syria, Turkey | Vulnerable |
| Atlas cedar | Cedrus atlantica | Morocco, Algeria | Endangered |
| Himalayan cedar (deodar) | Cedrus deodara | Western Himalayas | Least concern |
| Cyprus cedar | Cedrus brevifolia (or a variety of the Lebanon cedar) | Cyprus | Depends on the classification |
Classifications differ: some botanists recognise only two or three species. IUCN statuses are given here for information only; check the Red List for the most recent assessments.
A story of wood and mountains
Cedar wood has been used to build temples and palaces for more than 4,000 years. The Epic of Gilgamesh mentions the cedar forest, and Hittite texts describe plantations in Anatolia. Cedar wood panels preserved in Egypt date from the time of Thutmose IV (around 1400 BCE). The Hebrew Bible cites the cedar of Lebanon for Solomon's Temple. The cedar is the symbol of Lebanon, appears on its flag, and the last groves are protected. Over-exploitation since antiquity has reduced its forests.
The Greek kédros may originally have referred to the juniper rather than the cedar; this is one reason why the word “cedar” now covers trees that have no relation to each other.
False cedars
- Thuja: the “white cedar” of North America (Thuja occidentalis) and the “western red cedar” (Thuja plicata) are Cupressaceae. Thuja contains thujone, as do sage and wormwood: see common sage.
- Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), the “red cedar” of the East, used for pencils and drawers.
- Some Indigenous peoples of North America burn branches of these trees in specific ceremonies; these are sacred practices with their own rules, which are not to be copied lightly. See white sage.
When a shop offers “cedar”, check whether it is true cedar wood, a false cedar, or a compounded fragrance.
Scent and household uses
Cedar wood smells of dry, warm, slightly resinous and sweet wood. It is used in:
- shavings and blocks placed in a wardrobe or drawer, traditionally to scent and deter moths (the effect is limited and the scent fades; light sanding revives it);
- twigs for fumigation, which crackle and easily throw off sparks because of the resin;
- wood incense: see our page on cedar incense.
Safety
- Sparks: resinous needles and twigs crackle. Use a deep container, far from fabrics.
- Dust: the wood dust of some cedars, notably the giant arborvitae (thuja), can cause occupational asthma in joiners. Do not sand wood without protection.
- Treated or varnished wood: never burn treated, painted or varnished wood (pallet boards, garden planks, boxes). Burning releases toxic compounds.
- Essential oil: some “cedar” oils (thuja, red cedar) contain thujone; see Essential oils: caution.
Sustainability
The Atlas cedar is classified as endangered by the IUCN, with a significant decline of its range during the 20th century, due to drought, insects and exploitation. The Lebanon cedar is classified as vulnerable. For fumigation or decoration, choose wood whose origin is stated, from sustainable forest management or from joinery offcuts, and never take wood or needles from protected trees in mountain forests.
Frequently asked questions
Cedar, thuja and juniper: are they the same?
No. The true cedar is a Cedrus, from the pine family. Thuja and juniper are Cupressaceae, sometimes called cedars in North America.
Does cedar wood really keep moths away?
The scent is traditionally used for this purpose, but the effect is limited and fades. It does not replace proper storage.
Can cedar wood be burned?
Yes, in small shavings in a deep container, in a well-ventilated room, but only if it is neither treated nor varnished.
Is cedar protected?
Some species are threatened: according to the IUCN assessments given here, the Atlas cedar is endangered and the Lebanon cedar is vulnerable.
Why is the Lebanon cedar so famous?
It is cited in ancient texts (Gilgamesh, the Bible), was used to build temples, and appears on the flag of Lebanon.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.