What hardiness zones is Cedrus libani suitable for?

Cedrus libani is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

How much water does Cedrus libani need?

Cedrus libani has Low water needs.

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Coniferous Trees

Cedrus libani

cedar of Lebanon

Pinaceae

Mountain forests of Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey at 4,000–6,500 ft elevation

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitSpreading

FoliageEvergreen

Height60-80 feet (18-24 m)

Width40-60 feet (12-18 m)

Maturity50 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (light)

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Cedrus libani is a very large, long-lived, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, native to mountain forests of Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey — one of the most historically and culturally significant trees in the world. The specific epithet libani means 'of Lebanon.' Trees grow 60–80 feet (18–24 m) tall in cultivation, to 130 feet (40 m) in the wild, with spread of 40–60 feet (12–18 m). The mature silhouette is the most dramatic of any cedar: in age the crown becomes magnificently flat-topped and table-like, with WIDE-SPREADING HORIZONTAL BRANCHES in massive sweeping tiers. Young trees are pyramidal. Stiff dark green needles 0.75–1.5 inch (2–4 cm) in dense spur-shoot clusters of 30–40. UPRIGHT BARREL-SHAPED CONES 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) — the largest cones of the three common Cedrus species — ripen over 2–3 years and disintegrate on the tree. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to mountain forests of Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey at 4,000–6,500 feet (1,200–2,000 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Cedrus libani is planted as a grand, long-lived specimen conifer in large parks, estates, and institutional grounds where ample space allows full development of the magnificent flat-topped tiered crown over decades to centuries. One of the most historically significant trees in human culture — educational value encompasses Lebanese national identity, biblical and Quranic references, ancient Phoenician and Egyptian use, and the conservation status of remaining wild populations. Requires a multi-generational planting commitment.

How to Identify

Cedrus libani is identified as a very large evergreen conifer developing the most iconic Cedrus silhouette with age. Libani = 'of Lebanon'; national symbol of Lebanon on its flag; mentioned in Bible and Quran. Young: pyramidal, resembles C. atlantica. Mature: MASSIVE FLAT-TOPPED TABLE-LIKE CROWN with WIDE-SPREADING HORIZONTAL TIER BRANCHES. Stiff DARK GREEN needles (vs. blue-green of C. atlantica) in spur-shoot clusters 30–40. LARGEST CEDRUS CONES: upright barrel-shaped 3–5 inches — larger than C. atlantica (2–3 in) and C. deodara (3–4 in). Distinguished from C. atlantica: darker green needles; more massive flat-topped form at maturity.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height60' - 80'

Width/Spread40' - 60'

Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Fall

Pollen released from upright male strobili in October–November. Upright barrel-shaped female cones 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) — the largest of the common Cedrus species — develop over 2–3 years, ripening October–November of the third year, then disintegrating on the tree to release winged seeds. Wind-pollinated.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

UPRIGHT BARREL-SHAPED CONES 3–5 inches — largest of common Cedrus species; disintegrate on tree Oct–Nov year 3; pollen Oct–Nov; wind-pollinated

Foliage Description

stiff DARK GREEN needles 0.75–1.5 inch in spur-shoot clusters 30–40; libani = 'of Lebanon'; NATIONAL SYMBOL OF LEBANON (on flag); mentioned in Bible and Quran; ancient Phoenician/Egyptian/Roman timber; MASSIVE FLAT-TOPPED TABLE-LIKE TIERED CROWN at maturity; LARGEST CEDRUS CONES 3–5 inches; DATA CORRECTIONS: species null; rewrote curly-brace prose

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandrockychalk

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

30-50 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cedrus libani requires full sun in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Highly drought-tolerant once established — one of the most drought-resistant large conifers. Requires excellent drainage; does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Requires very ample space for the broad mature crown spread of 40–60 feet (12–18 m) and eventual height. Not appropriate for small or medium garden settings.

Pruning

No pruning required or recommended. The massive horizontal tiered form is the primary ornamental feature — pruning destroys it. Remove dead branches as needed. Do not attempt to reduce size. Young trees can have lower branches removed only as necessary for pedestrian clearance.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic