Cedrus libani

Cedar of Lebanon

A legendary evergreen conifer revered for its longevity, massive presence, and iconic, flat-topped, tiered branching with age. Needles are dark green to blue-green, held in dense rosettes, giving the tree a bold, dignified texture year-round. Upright when young, it gradually develops broad, horizontal limbs that create a majestic silhouette.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Evergreen conifer



Form: Upright pyramidal when young; broad, spreading, layered with age



Mature Width: 50–70 ft



Mature Height: 60–80 ft (sometimes larger with age)



Foliage Color: Dark green to blue-green



Texture: Coarse, monumental




Growing Conditions


USDA Hardiness Zones: 6a–9b



Light: Full sun



Soil: Average to well-drained soils; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning—best left to develop naturally




Landscape Uses
Large estates, parks, campuses, arboretums, and historic landscapes. Best as a singular specimen where space allows for full mature spread and long-term impact.


Care Tips


Provide ample space—this is not a small-garden tree



Avoid wet or compacted soils



Do not over-prune; natural form improves with age

Plant type

Conifer

Height

100'

Width

40'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Soil

Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Pyramidal

Bark

Fissured

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes