Cedrus libani seed
LATIN NAME: CEDRUS LIBANI
COMMON NAME: Cedar of Lebanon
The cedar of Lebanon is a tree of legend, mentioned in ancient texts and carved into the temples of the ancient world. It grows as a magnificent, wide-spreading evergreen, reaching thirty metres or more, with a massive trunk and huge, horizontal branches that form a broad, flat-topped crown in maturity, one of the most distinctive silhouettes of any tree; the needles are short, stiff and arranged in clusters, dark green or bluish-green, and the cones are large, barrel-shaped and upright on the branches. It is native to the mountains of the eastern Mediterranean, where it grows in Lebanon, Syria and southern Turkey, and the ancient forests of Lebanon supplied the timber for the temples, palaces and ships of antiquity, while the tree itself has become the national emblem of Lebanon, displayed on its flag and coat of arms.
Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology
The cedar of Lebanon has a rich and important record in botanical and conservation research. As one of the most famous trees of the ancient world, it has been studied by botanists for its classification, its variation and its relationships with the other true cedars, and its magnificent form is a subject of continuing horticultural interest. In conservation, the cedar of Lebanon is of great significance, because its native forests were largely cut down in antiquity and now survive in fragments, and researchers have studied the remaining forests, their regeneration and their protection, while its fragrant, durable wood and its resin have been studied for their chemistry and their uses, from the antiseptic and expectorant properties reported in traditional use to the fine joinery and panelling of today. For a tree of such legend, the cedar of Lebanon has a deep and distinguished record of research.
Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications
To grow the Cedar of Lebanon from seed, ecologically, the cedar of Lebanon stands at the heart of its mountain world. Its massive crown gives shelter and nesting sites for birds, its seeds feed birds and small mammals, and it holds the rocky mountain slopes where it grows, while it is a keystone of the mountain forests of the eastern Mediterranean. Its economic value is real and historical: its fragrant, durable wood was prized in the ancient world for temples, palaces and ships, and it is still used for fine joinery, panelling and furniture, while the tree is also one of the most magnificent ornamental conifers for parks and large gardens, and it has a respected place in the nursery trade, bringing a tree of legend to the landscape. To raise the cedar of Lebanon, sow the winged seeds on the surface of gritty, free-draining compost in late winter, cover them very lightly, and keep them cool and bright in a sheltered place.
sow the winged seeds on the surface of gritty, free-draining compost in late winter and cover them very lightly, and keep the young cedars cool and bright in a sheltered place.
LATIN NAME: Cedrus libani
COMMON NAME: Cedar of Lebanon
The cedar of Lebanon is a tree of legend, mentioned in ancient texts and carved into the temples of the ancient world. It grows as a magnificent, wide-spreading evergreen, reaching thirty metres or more, with a massive trunk and huge, horizontal branches that form a broad, flat-topped crown in maturity, one of the most distinctive silhouettes of any tree. The needles are short, stiff and arranged in clusters, dark green or bluish-green, and the cones are large, barrel-shaped and upright on the branches. It is a tree of great age and dignity, and the ancient forests of Lebanon supplied the timber for the temples and ships of antiquity.
The cedar of Lebanon belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae, and it is native to the mountains of the eastern Mediterranean, where it grows in Lebanon, Syria and southern Turkey. It is a hardy, slow-growing tree that thrives in cool, well-drained, sunny positions, and it has been planted as an ornamental in gardens and parks across the temperate world.
Positive & Encouraging Seed Germination Guide
Growing a cedar of Lebanon from seed takes patience, but it is a deeply rewarding tree to raise. The winged seeds sit inside the large, barrel-shaped cones, which break up to release them. The seeds germinate readily in cool, light conditions, so sow them in late winter or spring on the surface of a tray of free-draining compost, cover them very lightly, and keep them cool, bright and evenly moist. Germination usually begins within two to six weeks. Grow the young trees on in pots for a couple of years, giving them full sun and good drainage, before planting out in a sheltered, well-drained spot. A cedar of Lebanon you have raised from seed is a tree for the very long term, and it will grow into a tree of legend for your garden.
Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology
The cedar of Lebanon has a rich and important record in both botanical and conservation research. As one of the most famous trees of the ancient world, it has been studied by botanists for its classification, its variation and its relationships with the other true cedars, and its magnificent form is a subject of horticultural interest. In conservation, the cedar of Lebanon is of great significance, because its native forests were largely cut down in antiquity and now survive in fragments, and researchers have studied the remaining forests, their regeneration and their protection. Its fragrant, durable wood and its resin have been studied for their chemistry and their uses, and the tree has been planted widely as an ornamental. For a tree of such legend, the cedar of Lebanon has a deep and distinguished record of research.
Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications
Ecologically, the cedar of Lebanon is a keystone of the mountain forests of the eastern Mediterranean. Its massive crown gives shelter and nesting sites for birds, its seeds feed birds and small mammals, and it holds the rocky mountain slopes where it grows.
Its economic value is real and historical. Its fragrant, durable wood was prized in the ancient world for temples, palaces and ships, and it is still used for fine joinery, panelling and furniture. The tree is also one of the most magnificent ornamental conifers for parks and large gardens, and it has a respected place in the nursery trade. For a grower, the cedar of Lebanon is a slow-growing tree of great value and prestige, and for a gardener it brings a tree of legend to the landscape.
Cedrus libani / Cedar of Lebanon There are only four species of Cedar and although quite similar C. libani – first introduced to Britain around the mid 1600s – is just about the finest of them. Few trees can rival its majestic grandeur, perhaps why it is seen so often as a specimen planted around our most regarded stately homes and parklands. The Cedar of Lebanon is a tree of great historical importance, used by the ancient Egyptians for mummification as well having numerous scriptural associations. Planting any cedar is a long term investment and often the choice of those wishing to leave a lasting memory for future generations to come. Cedrus libani – whilst conical when young – forms a large elegant spreading flat topped tree with spectacular tiered branches. The evergreen grey/green needle like leaves spiral around brown shoots and both male and female cones are produced. If you have the space and a vision for the future then C. libani makes an excellent choice. Its an excellent performer on most soils but does not enjoy wet ground. Fully hardy. Tree Specs Common Name: Cedar of Lebanon Scientific Name: Cedrus libani Mature Height: 20m+ Features: Picturesque stately tree; Barrel shaped cones; Striking grey/green evergreen foliage; AGM Supplied: In three litre containers of peat-free compost, healthy and well established, approximately 30-60cms (1-2 feet) high, with full planting and aftercare instructions The Cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus Libani is a coniferous evergreen and is the national emblem of Lebanon and is displayed on the Lebanese flag and coat of arms. Both the leaves and the wood antiseptic and expectorant and are used to disinfect the respiratory tract. The Cedar of Lebanon is plant in gardens and parks as an ornamental tree, the most famous can be seen in Highgate Cemetery in London.