Cedrus libani

Cedar Of Lebanon
Pinaceae
Evergreen, Trees

CEDRUS

From the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean, and the Himalayas. These, the true cedars, are among the most widely grown conifers in Western gardens. Cedars bear needles in tufted clusters. Cone scales, like those of firs (Abies), fall from tree, leaving a spiky core behind. Male catkins produce prodigious amounts of pollen that may cover you with yellow dust on a windy day.

Plant in deep, well-drained soil. All species are deep rooted and drought tolerant once established. Some botanists contend that the several Mediterranean species are just geographic variants of a single species.

Cedrus libani

Native Lebanon to Turkey. Eventually to 80 ft., but slow growing—to 15 ft. in 15 years. Variable in growth habit. Usually a dense, narrow pyramid in youth. In young trees, needles, less than 1 in. long, are brightest green of the cedars; in old ones, they are dark gray green. Spreads picturesquely as it matures to become majestic skyline tree with long horizontal limbs and an irregular shape; the tree is ultimately about as broad as high. Rather scarce and expensive because of time required to reach salable size. Routine garden care. No pruning needed.