Cedar Of Lebanon
Cedrus libani

Family: Pinaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Brown, Purple. Form: Pyramidal.

Cedrus libani is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

Forms forests at 1200 - 2000 metres.

N. Africa to W. Asia - Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

A manna is obtained from the tree. No more details were given in the report.

Manna: this is a sweet substance that exudes naturally from certain plants, usually from the stems.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves and the wood are antiseptic and expectorant. They act to disinfect the respiratory tract.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Other

Rating: 3

An oil similar to turpentine is obtained from the wood. An essential oil from the wood is used in perfumery. Wood - moderately hard, durable. Used for construction. The wood is extremely durable and retains its delightful fragrance for many years.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Resin: Used in perfumery, medicines, paints, soap making etc. This also includes turpentine, which is extracted from many resins and used as a preservative, water proofer etc,

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Espalier, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Thrives on most soils, being very tolerant of chalk, dry sites and of drought when it is established. Prefers a rich loam or a sandy clay in full sun. Succeeds in warm dry areas with less than 40cm of rain a year, but also in areas with cool summers and up to 200cm of rain. Very intolerant of atmospheric pollution. Small trees less than 50cm tall establish much quicker and better than taller trees, those more than 2 metres tall are difficult to establish. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance. Fairly slow growing, trees rarely average more than 30cm increase in height per year. Trees can be very long lived, to 300 years or more. There are several named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Small male cones are formed on the lower branches of trees, whilst the larger female cones are formed on higher branches. These female cones persist on the tree for 2 - 3 years before breaking up. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus. The trees have a broad canopy and tend to hold any falling snow. This can lead to branches being broken by the weight of snow. Special Features: Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - collect the cones in winter and keep in a warm room until they open. Sow immediately in a cold frame. One report says that a short cold stratification of one month improves germination rates. Keep the seed pot moist, but be careful because the young seedlings are very prone to damp off, keep them well ventilated. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of terminal shoots can be tried in a frame in November but they are very difficult.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. libanitica.