How to identify Cedar of lebanon (Cedrus libani)

How to identify Cedar of lebanon (Cedrus libani)

Cedar of lebanon, also known as Turkish cedar

Cedar of lebanon is a slow-growing evergreen conifer that reaches modest heights of about 20 feet (6 meters) in its initial two decades. As it matures, it typically achieves a stature of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters), with some specimens even stretching to 120 feet (36 meters). These trees often exhibit a substantial trunk girth of up to 10 feet (3 meters), attesting to their mature bulk.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Cedar of lebanon

Purple-brown conical flowers, 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) tall, bloom late summer to early autumn.

Distinctive rigid erect cones, 3-8 inches (7.5-20 cm) long, shift from green to brown.

Needles are 0.75-1.5 inches (1.9-3.8 cm) long, dark green with silver blue stripes, in dense tufts.

Upright, robust trunk up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide, evolving bark with pleasant fragrance.

Matures to 40-60 feet (12-18 meters), slow-growing evergreen conifer with 30-40 needles per cluster.

Detailed Traits of Cedar of lebanon

Leaf Features

The leaves of cedar of lebanon are stiff and measure between 0.75 to 1.5 inches (1.9 to 3.8 cm) in length. They display a dark green to almost black green coloration, often highlighted by silver blue stripes. The needles grow in dense tufts consisting of 30 to 40 needles per cluster, giving them a distinctive appearance. These leaves are linear, rigid, and have a smooth, glossy texture, contributing to the plant's unique foliage characteristics.

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Flower Features

Cedar of lebanon features upright, conical flowers that measure approximately 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) tall. These cones exhibit a distinct purple-brown coloration. The flowers are characterized by tightly packed scales, giving the cone a robust and dense appearance. Typically, the blooming period occurs in late summer to early autumn. The purple-brown shades, combined with their unique upright cylindrical shape, make them a key identifying feature of this species.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of cedar of lebanon is a distinctive erect cone, with a notable flat or slightly concave apex. These cones exhibit a rigid texture and can vary in color, typically ranging from green when young to a woody brown as they mature. Each cone measures approximately 3 to 8 inches (7.5 to 20 cm) in length. The seeds, nestled within the scales of the cone, are released gradually from the point of ripening through to spring, facilitating the dispersal process. The key identifying characteristic of this fruit is its cone shape and the seasonal shedding of its seeds.

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Cedar of lebanon and Their Similar Plants

Deodar cedar vs. Cedar of lebanon: What's The Difference?

The deodar cedar is a fine-textured evergreen tree that's one of the most graceful conifers in many landscapes. It produces an aromatic oil that deters many insects but is home to birds and woodpeckers. In the Hindu religion, it's considered a sacred tree. Its specific epithet, deodara, is derived from the Sanskrit language, meaning "the wood of the gods."

Atlas cedar vs. Cedar of lebanon: What's The Difference?

Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is an endangered evergreen tree found primarily in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It can grow over 35 m tall and sports droopy-looking branches. Atlas cedar has been overused as a source of timber in its home range and has also been imported elsewhere for the same purpose. Atlas cedar provides homes for the similarly endangered Barbary macaque.

Atlas cedar 'Glauca Pendula' vs. Cedar of lebanon: What's The Difference?

Atlas cedar 'Glauca Pendula' is distinct for its weeping form and the color of its needles. A cultivar of Cedrus atlantica, its name refers to its color (“glauca” being a Latin word for silvery blue-green) and its downward-hanging branches (pendula). Gardeners love this evergreen tree for providing winter interest. It is also drought-tolerant.

Atlas cedar 'Glauca' vs. Cedar of lebanon: What's The Difference?

Atlas cedar 'Glauca' is an evergreen atlas cedar named for its characteristic blue-green Needle-shaped leaves which differ markedly from the paler leaves of its parent tree. This cultivar originated in the Atlas mountains of North Africa and was introduced to France in the nineteenth century.

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Key Facts About Cedar of lebanon

Attributes of Cedar of lebanon

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

40 m

Spread

12 m to 18 m

Leaf Color

Green

Silver

Blue

Gray

Stem Color

Gray

Silver

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Cedar of lebanon

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Cedar of lebanon (Cedrus libani)

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Distribution Map of Cedar of lebanon

Cedar of lebanon is naturally endemic to the mountainous regions of the Eastern Mediterranean. Its distribution extends to the temperate zones of the westernmost parts of Asia. Beyond its native range, cedar of lebanon has been introduced and cultivated in parts of southern Europe, select areas of South America, and regions with a comparable climate in North America. Cedar of lebanon is now cultivated in various global regions due to its adaptability and ornamental appeal.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Cedar of lebanon How to Grow and Care for Cedar of lebanon