Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)
Cedar-of-Lebanon reminds me a bit of the same look I get from seeing American Sequoias, very tall trunks with the foliage growing more towards the top of the tree. It is hardier than other species of Cedrus. It has been known to survive -24 degrees centigrade with some needle loss but re foliation (growing new needles) was complete. The tree blossoms in September or October, which is peculiar to the genus Cedrus among the conifers.
Needles are arranged in bundles numbering 30 to 40. Each needle is 3/4 -1 1/2" long and lustrous dark green in color. Cones are barrel-shaped, 3-5" long by 2-2 1/2" wide and are purple-brown in color in the second year. The cones require three years to mature. In the third season they turns into a rich brown and scatters its seeds, which are minute considering the size of the tree.
These foliage of these trees is narrowly conical in shape when young and become widely conical as the tree ages. The aged trees have strongly horizontal branches and a flat topped crown sitting on a tall trunk. The bark is gray-brown and eventually develops a pebble-like appearance. It exudes a gum of balsam which is quite fragrant.
