The needles are soft, thin, light gray-green with a bluish tint, collected in bunches, 30-40 needles in each. They are 3-4-sided, up to 5 centimeters long. The needle lives from three to six years.
The cone matures within 1-1.5 years. After ripening, it falls off in the second or third year. On the branches, the cones sit on top and face upward.
Himalayan cedar tolerates shade better than other types of cedar. Lives up to 1000 years, but under ideal conditions trees can reach an age of 3000 years. Such old and powerful trees are no longer found in the Himalayas.
Undemanding to soils. Prefers moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils, but also grows well in slightly acidic sandy soils.