Scientific Name
Cedrus libani ‘Cedar of Lebanon’
The cedar of Lebanon is a tall, massive tree that can reach up to 130 feet in its native habitat in the mountainous regions of the eastern Mediterranean basin. It is found in Lebanon and Syria, but most extensively in the higher elevations of south-central Turkey. The 1-inch needles can range from dark to bright green, and the tree typically develops strong horizontal branching from a single trunk, forming an initially pyramidal outline. As with larches, the needles occur both on fast-growing long shoots and in dense clusters on short shoots away from the branch tips. The seed cones are about four inches tall, upright, and barrel-shaped, disintegrating after releasing their seeds. With age, the canopy may become broad and flat-topped. In cultivation, a mature height of about 60 feet is typical, although the Regis specimen may represent a form that retains a more pyramidal shape and matures closer to 50 feet. The current Colorado champion cedar of Lebanon is 45 feet tall, with three others tied for second place at 42 feet, including the Regis tree; all four are located in Denver.
The cedar of Lebanon is an adaptable species, tolerating a range of soil types and thriving in the dry air and abundant sunshine of our climate. Originating in a Mediterranean environment, it is well suited to summer drought. Its primary limitation can be winter cold, which is often drier here than in its native range, where most precipitation falls during winter, usually as snow. While many specimens tolerate temperatures in the negative teens without issue, the Regis tree did experience significant dieback during an extreme cold event several years ago. It has since recovered well.
This tree also carries a long and significant cultural history in the Middle East. It is the national symbol of Lebanon and appears on the country’s flag. For thousands of years, it served as a vital source of timber for civilizations throughout the region, including those of Mesopotamia. Its durable wood was used in major construction projects such as the First Temple of Jerusalem and in Phoenician shipbuilding. In modern times, overharvesting and climate change — particularly in southern parts of its range — have raised concerns about its survival. In response, protected forest areas have been established, and large-scale reforestation efforts are underway in Turkey and Lebanon.