LATIN NAME: Cedrus deodara.COMMON NAME: Deodar cedar.DESCRIPTION:...

LATIN NAME: Cedrus deodara.

COMMON NAME: Deodar cedar.

DESCRIPTION: Large evergreen tree.

Deodars are among the true cedars, a group that includes the Atlas cedar (most commonly seen in blue dress) and the cedar of Lebanon, although the latter is rarely planted in the Southern California.

Cedars are characterized by needles that grow in tufts or clusters, and the deodar is distinguished by its limp, nodding tip.

That tip is a long way up. In Southern California’s climate, a deodar reaches, on average, about 80 feet with a 40-foot spread. But in its native Himalayas, it can soar to 250 feet.

Like Italian cypresses, deodar cedars are much abused in the city landscape. It’s understandable: They’re so pretty when small, almost delicate, and just the right size to flank the front door.

But 10 or 15 years later, when the tree has been hatcheted and butchered to keep it from the power lines and the driveway, it’s just plain sad.

You don’t have to plant these trees to enjoy them. Many parks have deodars, probably because they’re so easy to tend.

If you are reasonably certain your estate can accommodate a deodar treasure, don’t buy one until you have traveled to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino.

There, near the far end of the cactus garden, on the way to the Australian section and not far from the pond, is a Cedrus deodara that is simply awesome. Its lower branches--unpruned, unbutchered--sweep out from the trunk and then curve back up like giant sultan’s slippers. This is what a deodar should look like; anything less is not enough. Walk around this tree; note the near-100-foot diameter. Humbling, isn’t it? Suddenly one’s own estate seems so much smaller.

If you have a hacked-up deodar, do everyone a favor: Cut it down. End its misery. Plant something else, perhaps one of the smaller deodar varieties, such as Descanso Dwarf.

They’re not nearly as majestic, but at 15 feet they probably won’t have to be amputated. That’s a fair trade.