Cedar Wood
Cedrela odorata
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. C21F — Cedrela odorata
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IOverview
Overview
Cedar Wood (Cedrela odorata) is a large deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including countries such as Argentina Northeast, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela. Known for its ornamental value and use in traditional medicine, this plant also serves as an edible source with its leaves being utilized. The tree thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to partial shade, growing up to 30 meters tall. Its adaptability to various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—and hardiness zones 9-12 make it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Cedar Wood?
Cedar Wood (Cedrela odorata) is a large deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including countries such as Argentina Northeast, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela.
What is Cedar Wood used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Cedar Wood
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Cedar Wood appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Cedar wood is traditionally used in South American herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a decoction or steam inhalation.
The mechanism by which cedar wood supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve antimicrobial compounds that help combat pathogens.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Cedar Wood support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cedar Wood (Cedrela odorata) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in zones 9-12 and can reach a height of 30 meters. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining soil for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cedar Wood for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Cedar Wood to experience growing this tree.
- 1
What you'll need
Cedar Wood seeds or young saplings, potting soil, containers if starting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide partial shade and light pruning as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them. Harvest leaves for culinary use if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, using poor soil quality.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Cedar Wood (Cedrela odorata) are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. They are often added to salads for a mild, aromatic flavor. SKIP
Other uses:ContainersFencingFire starterLumberCraftingPioneerWind breakerWeaving material
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas14 regions
native (14)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Cayman Is., Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is., Argentina Northeast, Brazil Northeast, Mexico Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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