Cedar wood comes from several different trees known as cedars that grow in different parts of the world, and may have different uses.
Atlantic white cedar, from Chamaecyparis thyoides, used for building, fences, and shingles.
California incense-cedar, from Calocedrus decurrens, is the primary type of wood used for making pencils
Taiwan incense-cedar, comes from Calocedrus formosana, an endangered species that has been over-harvested for its fragrant decay-resistant wood
Chinese incense-cedar, comes from Calocedrus macrolepis, which has been over-harvested for its fragrant decay-resistant wood
Cigar-box cedar or Spanish cedar, from Cedrela odorata, is fragrant, insect-repellent, and light-weight, primarily used to protect clothing from insects
Cedar from Cedrus, was once an important timber in the Mediterranean area, used for building and shipbuilding, but severely overexploited for thousands of years.
Port Orford cedar, from the western North American tree Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, is light-weight and durable, used for arrow shafts and particularly valued in east Asia
Japanese cedar, from Cryptomeria japonica, is a light-weight wood used for indoor house-building
Mexican white cedar from Cupressus lusitanica, comes from a drought-resistant tree that has been widely cultivated for its timber for centuries
Eastern red cedar from Juniperus virginiana, is soft, red, fine-grained, fragrant, and decay-resistant, often used for fence posts
Ceylon cedar from Melia azedarach, is a high-quality timber that resembles Burmese teak
Western red cedar from Thuja plicata, is soft red-brown, aromatic, decay and insect resistant, primarily used for outdoor construction, fences, shingles, and guitar-making
Northern white cedar from Thuja occidentalis, comes from a relatively small tree, and is used for canoe-making, log cabins, fences, and shingles
Australian red cedar from Toona ciliata, is red, highly valued, and easy to work, used for furniture-making and shipbuilding
