Cedrus libani Cedar-of-Lebanon

Cedar of Lebanon is a beautiful conifer with dark green or grey-green foliage which is native to the subalpine forests of the north-eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Mature trees have massive trunks, broad, almost flattened crowns and horizontal branches, all of which give it a distinctive look. Large, upright, barrel-shaped female cones are produced at the top of the tree. Cedar forests that once clothed the Lebanon Mountains were exploited for centuries and are now greatly depleted in this iconic species which is represented on the national flag of Lebanon. In fact the entire range of the species has become fragmented as a result of over exploitation and other pressures such as overgrazing. Several geographical varieties and subspecies have been recognised and some like the smaller trees that are native to Cypress, which grow at lower altitude and have a narrower growth form, have been recognised as a separate species (Cedrus brevifolia). It was introduced to Britain in the 18th Century and is frequently encountered in large parks, but it is rarely grown in gardens. It grows vigorously in the Bristish climate, particularly in southern Britain, but it doesn't occur as a naturalised species in West Glamorgam. There are some fine specimens in Singleton Park, Swansea and Margam Park.