Cedrus libani , the cedar of Lebanon or Lebanese cedarwood , is a specie of tree diagram in the genus Cedrus , a part of the pine family , aboriginal to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean basin . It is predominantly in Lebanon , but also in division of Turkey , Syria , and Cyprus . Typically found at altitudes range from 1,000 to 2,000 meters ( 3,300 to 6,600 metrical unit ) above ocean stage in craggy area with rocky soils . It is the national emblem of Lebanon and is wide used as an ornamental tree diagram in parks and garden .
In their natural habitat or under idealistic growing conditions , Lebanon Cedars can grow to heights of 30 to 40 meters ( more or less 98 to 131 base ) . unseasoned tree diagram are pyramidical , but as they age , their figure becomes more horizontal or broad - spreading with story branches , often giving a tiered appearance . Trees in finish might not reach their full likely size of it due to place constraints , urban defilement , or less than ideal grow conditions .
The needles are a colored green , though they can appear almost bluish - green in sure low-cal conditions or time of year . Each phonograph needle measures about 1 to 3 cm ( approximately 0.4 to 1.2 column inch ) . They are relatively short compare to other cedar like Cedrus deodara . The needle develop in dense clusters or whorls , often on short , spur - like shoot . This arrangement gives the foliage a bottlebrush burden from a distance .
The ramification incline to be more upright or ascension , giving untested Lebanon Cedars a conical or Great Pyramid shape . As the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ages , the branches become more horizontal or slightly flag at the end , create a tiered or superimposed consequence . Branches can arise very long , sometimes reaching several meters in length , especially in older trees .
Female cones are gun barrel - shaped or ovate . Initially green or purplish when young , they grow to a brown or reddish - chocolate-brown colour . Male strobilus are small , elongated or cylindrical and are yellowish when they release pollen . The male cones issue big quantities of pollen . Each scale of measurement of the cone contains two wing seeds . Lebanon Cedars swear to a great extent on wind pollination .
The bark on younger Lebanon Cedars is relatively smooth and has a grayish or silvery chromaticity . As the tree diagram matures , the barque darkens to a rich Thomas Gray or brown . It becomes deeply furrowed or fissured , with thick , rough plate or graduated table that give it a tough , aged appearance . The convention of the mature barque can resemble alligator hide or have a somewhat mosaic - similar look .
This tree grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 9 . During their initial ontogeny phase , Lebanon Cedars can develop relatively rapidly , often adding about 30 to 60 centimeter ( 1 to 2 feet ) in altitude per annum under optimum status . This stage might last for the first 20 - 30 years . As the trees mature , their growth charge per unit importantly slow up . Growth in height might be just a few cm ( inch ) per class . However , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree stay to circularise , with offset extending outwards .
Lebanon Cedars are recognize for their longevity , with many trees be for400 to 600 yearsor more . There are disc of some Lebanon Cedars reaching over1000 yearsold in their natural home ground , particularly in areas where they have been protect or minimally vex . Their retentive life contributes to stable ecosystem , providing habitat and support biodiversity over century .
Historically , Lebanon Cedar Sir Henry Wood was highly prized for build due to its strength , electrical resistance to molder , and aromatic qualities . It was used in ancient construction , notably in ship building , temples , and palace . The Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem is famously cited as being built from Lebanon Cedar Sir Henry Wood .
In landscaping , Lebanon Cedars are embed for their imperial appearance , often as specimen trees in large estates , park , or as avenue trees . The trees contribute to dirt stabilization , especially in hilly part , keep erosion and landslide . And more significantly , provide habitat for various species of birds , insects , and mammalian .
