December! The month of lights, good food, coziness—and of course, for many, the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. So, the Tree of the Month for December simply had to be from the pine family. Our choice: Cedrus libani, the cedar of Lebanon, a tree whose very shape evokes the spirit of Christmas.
A Mythical Tree
It’s no coincidence that the cedar of Lebanon is often associated with sacredness. Throughout the centuries, this iconic tree has appeared in countless myths and stories. It is mentioned in Mesopotamian mythology, revered by the Arabs, symbolized majesty and grandeur in the Hebrew Bible, and was seen as a tree of life in Hungarian mythology. As a symbol of eternity and immortality, the cedar of Lebanon was used in the construction of sacred temples and pyramids.
An Ancient Giant
Cedrus libani naturally occurs in Lebanon, Turkey, and Syria, often on mountain slopes alongside species such as Malus trilobata and Abies cilicica, though it has also been planted for timber production. It reaches its full height after 100–150 years, but continues to grow in width thereafter. The cedar of Lebanon first invests in its roots before putting energy into above-ground growth. In the wild, it can reach heights of up to 40 meters, though in cultivation it is usually closer to 25 meters.
From Pyramid to Flat Top
In its youth, the cedar of Lebanon has a slender, pyramidal form. Later, it develops a more horizontal growth, creating its characteristic flat-topped silhouette. It grows more slowly than the Cedrus deodara. The tree often branches low, with horizontal or slightly upward-pointing limbs, while its smaller twigs also spread horizontally. The bark of young trees is smooth, but as they age it flakes off in dark gray to black plates. The short, sturdy needles grow in clusters of 20–40, with a green to gray-green hue. Its short-stalked gray-green cones ripen to brown after two years. Male flowers appear in autumn, showing a golden-yellow bloom. And even in winter, the cedar of Lebanon retains its dark green foliage.
Resistant to Drought and Cold
The cedar of Lebanon grows in nearly any soil and requires little in the way of nutrients. It is a pioneer species, yet long-lived. Thanks to its taproot, it withstands drought well. Its short needles limit water loss in dry conditions while also preventing excessive heat exchange during cold periods. It tolerates temperatures down to -17°C. However, excess moisture and shade pose challenges. These traits make the cedar of Lebanon resilient against increasingly dry summers, while also enabling it to thrive in urban environments. It is a magnificent shade tree—provided it has enough space to spread.
Cedarwood and Cedar Oil
Cedars don’t produce resin but oil—an oil that preserves their wood. As a result, cedarwood has long been prized for various uses, from shipbuilding to furniture to cigar boxes. Its purifying essential oils release a spicy, woody aroma—a wonderful scent that transports you into an ancient, magical world.
Happy Holidays!
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