WSU Clark County Extension
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Cedar of Lebanon

Scientific name: Cedrus libani
Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Full sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:100 ft
Width:80 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Cedar of Lebanon is considered one of the more stately conifers for the large yards and parks with its wide spreading horizontal branches and massive trunk. Its name is derived from its presence in the Middle East where it has biblical reference.

  Morphology:
This conifer grows to a mature height of over 100’, and a width of 80’. While it has a pyramidal shape when the tree is young, it soon takes on its characteristic dense, flat-topped spreading nature with age. It develops a very thick trunk which often splits into 2 major stems.

Needles are set in clusters of 30-40 on spur shoots. They are ¾” to 1.5” long and very dark green with silver blue stripes.

Upright female cones form in the upper reaches of the canopy. They are 3”-5” long, barrel shaped and are set in an upright fashion on the tops of limbs. When they first form they are purple in color but mature to a brown color. Male cones are 2”-3” long, pale yellow in color, and appear in the lower parts of the crown.

  Adaptation:
Well adapted to most sites other than for those that are poorly drained. Soil pH does not seem to influence its growth rate, which is relatively slow.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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