Atlas Cedar

Scientific name: Cedrus atlantica

Overview

Atlas Cedar is a true cedar native to the Atlas Mountains and valued as an ornamental conifer and for aromatic, workable timber. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is native to northern and north-central Morocco and northern Algeria. This profile brings together identification, woodworking, sourcing, and conservation notes for collectors and woodworkers.

The species grows primarily in mountain forests of the Atlas region in a temperate Mediterranean climate. Mature trees develop massive trunks and layered spreading branches; foliage ranges from green to blue-green, and cultivated blue forms are especially familiar in landscapes. The heartwood is pale tan to light reddish brown, often with clearly visible growth-ring contrast. Grain is usually straight with fine to medium texture and a resinous, aromatic character. Natural variation, age, cut, lighting, and finish can all change the appearance, so color alone should never be treated as a final identification.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Atlas Cedar
  • Alternate Common Name(s): Blue Atlas Cedar, African Cedar
  • Scientific Name: Cedrus atlantica
  • Region: African Woods
  • Tree Size: Typically 65–115 ft (20–35 m) tall
  • Average Dried Weight: Approximately 35 lb/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
  • Janka Hardness: Reliable published data is unavailable
  • Grain: Usually straight, with visible growth rings
  • Texture: Fine to medium and characteristically aromatic

Identification Characteristics

Look for the combination of pale tan to light reddish brown, often with clearly visible growth-ring contrast and usually straight with fine to medium texture and a resinous, aromatic character. Compare a freshly sanded face-grain surface with end grain under good light. Record provenance, supplier, and botanical name whenever possible, since related tropical species may overlap in color and figure.

  • Heartwood and sapwood color boundary
  • Pore size and distribution on clean end grain
  • Direction of grain and any ribbon or mottled figure
  • Texture, luster, weight, and odor when freshly worked
  • Verified origin and trade documentation
Atlas Cedar wood sample
Atlas Cedar wood sample showing face and end grain.
Atlas Cedar tree
Atlas Cedar in its natural habitat.

Working Properties

Workability varies with density and grain direction. Straight-grained stock normally machines more cleanly, while interlocked or figured areas can tear during planing. Use sharp cutters, shallow passes, and controlled feed rates. Test unfamiliar stock before committing valuable boards to a final project.

  • Pre-drill near edges and ends to reduce splitting.
  • Use effective dust extraction during sawing, routing, sanding, and turning.
  • Prepare clean joint surfaces and test the selected adhesive on an offcut.
  • Sand progressively and remove torn fibers before finishing.
  • Test clear, oil, and film finishes because color can deepen dramatically.
  • Dry thick material gradually and store boards with even support and airflow.

Safety Note

Wood dust can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and some people develop sensitivity after repeated exposure. Use local dust collection, eye protection, and a properly fitted respirator. Wash exposed skin after machining and keep workshop dust away from living areas.

Common Uses

Atlas Cedar furniture and woodworking
Atlas Cedar used in furniture and decorative woodworking.
Atlas Cedar specialty woodworking
Atlas Cedar specialty applications and turned work.

Traditional and modern applications include interior joinery, paneling, cabinetry, furniture, carving, chests, turning, decorative objects, and historically general construction. Suitability depends on board quality, dryness, grain orientation, intended exposure, and the legality and traceability of the material.

Sustainability & Notes

Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation categories and trade rules can change, and national controls may be stricter than international listings. Before purchasing, exporting, or importing material, verify the accepted botanical name, source country, harvest date, chain of custody, and any permits that apply.

Prefer reclaimed wood, plantation material where appropriate, independently certified stock, or inventory with a clear documented history. Use scarce timber efficiently and retain invoices and permits with collector samples.

Comparative Notes & Related Species

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) – A closely related Mediterranean cedar with aromatic, durable softwood.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) – A Himalayan Cedrus species widely used for structural and decorative wood.

Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia) – A geographically restricted eastern Mediterranean relative with similar cedar characteristics.

Related Guides

Compare Wood Properties

See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.

Collector Notes

Label each sample with the scientific name, common or trade name, source, purchase date, and documentation reference. Preserve a freshly sanded comparison area away from direct light because many woods darken over time. A useful reference sample shows both face grain and clean end grain.

Share Your Photos of This Species

Have a verified tree photograph, wood sample, board, or finished project? Visit the Share Your Photos Page and include the common name, scientific name if known, location, and a short description.

Wood Sample Collection

This species is part of our growing reference collection. Learn how to contribute at Donate Wood Samples.

Resources

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Availability & Where to Buy

Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.

As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.

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Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.

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