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Cedrus libani
cedar of Lebanon
Mountain forests of Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey at 4,000-6,500 feet (1,200-2,000 m)Learn more
Overview
Cedrus libani is the cedar of Lebanon, a large evergreen conifer growing 720–960 inches (1,800–2,400 cm / 60–80 feet) tall and 480–720 inches (1,200–1,800 cm / 40–60 feet) wide at maturity. Dark green to blue-green stiff needles 0.75–1.25 inches (18–32 mm) in dense rosettes of 15–35 on spur shoots. Young trees are pyramidal; mature trees develop a flat-topped spreading crown with massive tiered horizontal branches — the mature silhouette requires 480–720 inches (1,200–1,800 cm / 40–60 feet) of lateral space. Upright barrel-shaped cones 3–5 inches (7–13 cm) on upper branches, taking 2 years to mature. In the pine family (Pinaceae). One of the most culturally significant trees in human history — referenced in the Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 2100 BCE), the Hebrew Bible, and the Quran. The aromatic rot-resistant wood was traded by the Phoenicians throughout the ancient Mediterranean. The national emblem of Lebanon — the tree is depicted on the Lebanese flag. Wild populations are reduced to approximately 17 km² (6.6 mi²) in Lebanon due to millennia of harvesting, clearing, and overgrazing. IUCN conservation status: Vulnerable. The hardiest true cedar — tolerates zone 5 (−20°F / −29°C), where C. atlantica and C. deodara are not reliably hardy. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Zones 5–9. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to the mountain forests of Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey at 4,000–6,500 feet (1,200–2,000 m). Wild Lebanese populations reduced to approximately 17 km². IUCN Vulnerable.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen in parks and large properties in zones 5–9. The mature flat-topped tiered crown requires 480–720 inches (1,200–1,800 cm) lateral space. The hardiest true cedar. National emblem of Lebanon. Drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height60' - 80'
Width/Spread40' - 60'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — evergreen conifer. Upright barrel-shaped cones 3–5 inches (7–13 cm), taking 2 years to mature. The mature flat-topped tiered crown (developing over 30–50+ years) is the primary structural feature.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green to blue-green, stiff, 0.75-1.25 inches (18-32 mm), in dense rosettes of 15-35 on spur shootsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. The mature crown requires 480–720 inches (1,200–1,800 cm) lateral space. The hardiest true cedar (zone 5). IUCN Vulnerable in the wild. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5–9.Pruning
No pruning needed — the pyramidal-to-flat-topped form develops naturally over decades. Do not remove the leader on young trees. Remove dead branches if needed. The massive tiered crown develops over 30–50+ years.Pruning Schedule
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late spring