There are four types of true cedars: the deodar, the Atlas cedar, the Cyprus cedar, and the cedar of Lebanon. All belong to the scientific group Cedrus. The deodar grows in the western Himalayas. The other three types grow in mountainous regions around the Mediterranean Sea.

True cedars are tall trees with spreading branches. They range in height from about 100 to 150 feet (30 to 45 meters). Some have heavily drooping branches. The wood is often reddish and has a pleasant smell. Cedar needles are vivid green, yellow-green, or blue-green. They may grow in clusters of as many as 30. Cedars bear cones that take two to three years to mature.

In the United States, many trees that have fragrant wood are called cedars, but most of them are actually cypress or juniper trees. Such wood is used to make chests, closet linings, and pencils. Oil taken from the eastern red cedar, a juniper, is used in perfumes.