Cedar (Cedrus) is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae. They are most closely related to the Firs (Abies), sharing a very similar cone structure. I include
Thuja,
Chamaecyparis and
Juniperus because of their confusing common names and botanical similarity. Still, they are not taxonomically true cedars.
The Common North American "Cedars"
Leaves: persistent, decussate, scale-like.
Bark: reddish, peeling and vertically furrowed.
Fruit: Woody, fleshy cones.
Other Conifers:
|
baldcypress |
Douglas-fir |
fir |
hemlock |
larch |
pine |
redwood |
spruce |
ID Glossary