Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
GPS Coordinates: 40.02568, -75.314688
The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is a distinctive evergreen native to western North Africa, characterized by silvery blue to bluish green needles. It can grow to be very tall, from about 40-60 feet. The bark is gray and smooth, but develops a plate-like pattern as the tree matures. Its wood is very oily and scented, giving it a very pleasant and aromatic smell, which also functions as a natural insect deterrent. They thrive in full sun in moist soil, and they are tolerant of urban pollution up to a point. Cones usually take around two years to fully mature. There are two Atlas Cedars planted outside Rock Arch, one bordering each side of the path. The site originally had Elm trees planted by the class of 1908, but were later replaced by the cedars by the class of 1973.