Cedrus libani Play pronunciation

Cedar of Lebanon is a needled evergreen tree in the pine family (Pinaceae). It is native from Turkey to Lebanon and Cypress. The genus name is Latin and the epithet refers to Mount Lebanon in Lebanon. 

It prefers full sun and can be grown in a variety of moist soils with varying pH levels but requires good drainage and does not tolerate shade. It is slow growing in the first 20 years with a mature height typically reaching 40 to 60 feet and a width of 30 to 50 feet. Heights of up to 120 feet have been recorded, and a trunk up to 10 feet is common in mature trees. This low-maintenance specimen needs no regular pruning. It can form several leaders if left alone. Pruning can be done to form a central leader. This should be accomplished in the fall. Its form is pyramidal in youth. As it ages, it becomes more dense and flat-topped, with horizontally spreading branches and the lower branches sweeping the ground. It has short green to blue-green to dark green fragrant needles and narrow 3 to 4 inch cones that mature every other year in the fall. It is a difficult tree to transplant and is propagated via seeds. 

Its stately stature makes it a great choice for estate gardens, lawns and public parks as a specimen or accent tree. It can also be used as a barrier, for screening or privacy purposes, or as a shade tree. It works well in the winter garden as it is the most cold tolerant of the true cedars. It also works in a drought tolerant garden. 

Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home.  

Quick ID Hints:

• All Cedrus genus members have new needles that are born singly on stems.
• Needles are triangular to quadrangular in cross-section.
• Female woody barrel-shaped cones sit on top of the branches.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: It may be affected by pine needle scale.