Cedrus libani

Revered and used through the ages, this fine tree is conical when young before the lovely slow-growing conifer gradually assumes its picturesque, flat-topped, tiered form as a large and wide-spreading tree, usually 50-60' in cultivation and over 100'in the wild. A historically important tree for ship building with its extremely rot-resistant wood, used by the Egyptian's as one of the ingredients for mummification and mentioned in the Bible 71 times. Listed as vulnerable, there are ongoing efforts to protect these majestic trees; an ancient stand called the 'Cedars of God' on Mt Lebanon is listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. S/M-D/GDr

The most cold hardy of all the true Cedars, the Lebanon Cedar is extremely popular for bonsai because of its natural tendency to produce thick side branches and short needles. Established trees are quite drought tolerant and are a very low care species, they are popular as both a single specimen tree and planted in rows for thick privacy screens. Specimen trees look their best when most of the lower branches are removed as the tree ages to display the thick remaining branches and complex trunk. It is one of the few conifer species that grows broad like an oak rather than with a single upright leader and has a very unique appearance. The branches are often flat and dense, forming layered mats. The seed cones stick up above the branches and look like ornaments placed delicately on the tree.

This is a stately tree with a thick, massive trunk. The wide spreading branches sweep the ground. Pyramidal in its youth, this tree can reach an eventual height of 100' or more (after 100 or so years.) Give it deep, well drained loam, in an open sunny location. Doesn't tolerate shade and needs a somewhat dry environment.