This geographic subspecies of Cedrus libani is a large, quickly growing tree with horizontal branches at a later age. Naturally occurring on dry, calcareous mountain slopes in the Atlas mountains of north-western Africa. First the trunk is grey and smooth, but rougher in older trees. Later, the bark flakes off in small plates, revealing the reddish brown bark. The branches are fairly loose and open, twigs are first greyish green to greyish brown but turn grey in the second year. The needles, 2 - 2.5 cm long, grow in bundles of 20 - 40 together. Upright cones appear in autumn. Young cones are green but turn purplish brown to brown later. This cedar requires ample sun and is highly tolerant of air pollution.
Cedrus libani subsp. atlantica can eventually reach a height of 20 - 25 (40) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.
Cedrus libani subsp. atlantica is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 20 - 25 (40) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.
The right time to plant Cedrus libani subsp. atlantica is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Cedrus libani subsp. atlantica with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.