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Cedrus libani

Cedrus libani

Libanon Cedar

Description

Cedrus libani (cedar of Lebanon) comes from Lebanon, Turkey and Syria and is an iconic tree in many myths and tales. The species occurs in particular on mountain slopes with for example Malus trilobata and Abies cilicica, although the tree is also planted for timber production. The ultimate height is attained after 100 to 150 years after which the tree continues to grow widthways. The cedar of Lebanon invests in its roots first of all and only then puts on any vertical growth above ground. In the wild it reaches a height of as much as 40 metres although in cultivation it will tend to be 25 metres. In its juvenile state the cedar of Lebanon displays pyramidal growth. In maturity this becomes horizontal, creating a characteristic form with flat top. Cedrus libani grows more slowly than Cedrus deodara. 

The cedar of Lebanon often develops a low-branching structure with horizontal to slightly upward-pointing branches. The other twigs grow horizontally also. The bark of juvenile trees is smooth but peels in dark grey to black platelets in older trees. The short, stiff needles are arranged in bundles of 20 to 40 and are green to grey green in colour. The cedar of Lebanon has short-stemmed, grey-green cones which change to brown when ripe after 2 years. The fragrant catkins bloom yellow-brown in September. 

Cedrus libani tolerates a wide range of soils and can cope with few nutrients. Drought is not a problem either thanks to the taproot the tree puts down. The cedar of Lebanon is, therefore, a pioneer species - and a long-lived one too - and thrives in (urban) growing conditions where it provides shade in sites with sufficient space on account of its magnificent form. Wet and shade on the other hand are not tolerated. The tree tolerates temperatures down to -17 degrees Celsius. Cedrus libani does not produce resin but produces oil which makes the wood more sustainable.

Types of planting

Tree types

standard trees feathered trees conifers

Use

Location

square park central reservation large garden cemetery traffic areas, industrial zones

Pavement

none none open open sealed sealed

Characteristics

Crown shape

pyramidal pyramidal

Crown structure

semi-open semi-open

Height

20 - 25 m

Width

15 - 20 m

Winter hardiness zone

7A - 8B

Aspects

Wind

tolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay light clay sand loamy soil

Nutrient level

low in nutrients moderately rich in nutrients rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

dry moist

Light requirements

sun

pH range

acidic neutral

Extreme environments

tolerant to dryness tolerates air pollution

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Visit our nurseries with multi-stem trees, climbing trees, trees for avenues and parks characteristic trees and solitary shrubs.

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Order this plant? Or would you like further information about Cedrus libani? Make an appointment for a detailed planting recommendation.
Call +31(0) 485 31 20 21 or email one of our advisors directly.
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Photos

Magnify

Flowers

Flowers

catkins discrete standing scented

Flower colour

yellow-brown

Flowering period

September

Leaves

Leaf colour

green grey-green

Leaves

evergreen short needles

Fruits

Fruit colour

brown

Fruits

small cones

Bark

Bark colour

grey-black

Bark

peeling smooth, later on rough

Twigs

Twig colour

grey

Twigs

hairy bare

Root system

Root system

deep tap root

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Location
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Planting concepts
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Types of planting
Tree types
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Multi-stemmed trees
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Crown structure
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Crown shape
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Topiary on stem
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Topiary
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Height
m
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m
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Width
m
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m
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Aspects
Wind
OK
Soil
OK
Nutrient level
OK
Soil moisture level
OK
Light requirements
OK
PH range
OK
Extreme environments
OK
Stage of succession
OK
Plant characteristics
Flowering period
January
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December
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Flower colour
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Leaf colour
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Autumn colour
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Fruit colour
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Bark colour
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Special features
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