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Summary

Bloom Color: Brown, Purple. Form: Pyramidal.

Physical Characteristics

Cedrus libani is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. libanitica.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna
Edible Uses:

A manna is obtained from the tree[2, 105]. No more details were given in the report.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiseptic Expectorant

The leaves and the wood are antiseptic and expectorant. They act to disinfect the respiratory tract[254].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential Resin Wood

An oil similar to turpentine is obtained from the wood[46, 61]. An essential oil from the wood is used in perfumery[61]. Wood - moderately hard, durable. Used for construction[1, 46, 61]. The wood is extremely durable and retains its delightful fragrance for many years[245].

Special Uses

Espalier Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Espalier, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Thrives on most soils, being very tolerant of chalk, dry sites and of drought when it is established[11, 81, 200]. Prefers a rich loam or a sandy clay in full sun[1]. Succeeds in warm dry areas with less than 40cm of rain a year, but also in areas with cool summers and up to 200cm of rain[200]. Very intolerant of atmospheric pollution[11, 81]. Small trees less than 50cm tall establish much quicker and better than taller trees, those more than 2 metres tall are difficult to establish[200]. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[200]. Fairly slow growing, trees rarely average more than 30cm increase in height per year[185]. Trees can be very long lived, to 300 years or more[185]. There are several named varieties selected for their ornamental value[188]. Small male cones are formed on the lower branches of trees, whilst the larger female cones are formed on higher branches[238]. These female cones persist on the tree for 2 - 3 years before breaking up[238]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[81, 200]. The trees have a broad canopy and tend to hold any falling snow. This can lead to branches being broken by the weight of snow[81]. Special Features: Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - collect the cones in winter and keep in a warm room until they open[1]. Sow immediately in a cold frame[78]. One report says that a short cold stratification of one month improves germination rates[113]. Keep the seed pot moist, but be careful because the young seedlings are very prone to damp off, keep them well ventilated[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors[K]. Cuttings of terminal shoots can be tried in a frame in November but they are very difficult[113].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus (Mt. Triphylos), Lebanon, Syria, Turkey (southeast)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Calocedrus decurrens	Incense Cedar, California Incense Cedar	Tree	15.0	5-8	S	LMH	SN	DM	1	1	2
Cedrus atlantica	Atlas Deodar, Atlantic cedar	Tree	25.0	5-9	M	LMH	N	DM	0	2	3
Cedrus deodara	Deodar, Deodar cedar	Tree	33.0	7-9	M	LMH	N	DM	0	2	3
Cyathodes oxycedrus			0.0	-		LMH	SN	M	0	0
Juniperus oxycedrus	Prickly Juniper, Cade juniper	Tree	15.0	8-10	M	LMH	N	DM	0	1	2
Libocedrus bidwillii		Tree	20.0	7-10	S	LMH	SN	M	0	0	2
Libocedrus plumosa	Kawaka	Tree	9.0	7-10	S	LMH	SN	M	0	0	2
Libocedrus uvifera		Tree	20.0	6-9	S	LMH	SN	M	0	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Cedrus libani - A.Rich.