LEBANON CEDAR

Also known as: True Cedar
Latin name: Cedrus libani
Origin: Europe, Asia, North Africa

The other two true cedars are C. deodara and C. atlantica. There is very little difference between any of them and all three have occasionally been labelled under the one botanical name, C. libani. The timber from each is not always easy to distinguish one from the other.

All are coniferous mountain growers originally, can reach heights of 40 to 50 metres and live to a great age.

Lebanon cedars take their name from Mt. Lebanon on the slopes of which were great cedar forests. Although these are now somewhat depleted, the Lebanese government and local communities have for some years been doing much to restore and control them.

These are the great biblical trees, the timber from which is said to have been used to build Solomon's temple. For various individual reasons they were revered by Christians, Hebrews and Muslims alike.

It is reported that a sample of the wood taken from a shrine outside the tomb of Tutankhamen has been identified as C. libani, having survived for over 3300 years in a remarkably good state of preservation.

Lebanon Cedar (also known as Cedar of Lebanon) was first introduced into this country towards the end of the 17th. century, specimens being planted by the landowners of various great estates. It was said to be a particular favourite of the influential landscape gardener Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

Trees grown in English parks and gardens are usually shorter than those in their native habitat, with wide, spreading crowns and often a flattened or slightly rounded top. Some examples live for hundreds of years and can be seen as striking individual trees in the gardens of many of our finest houses.

The colour of the wood is pale to golden yellow, sometimes towards biscuit and has a pleasing warmth to it. Occasionally there may be a certain amount of irregular browny-green streaking and, depending on the extent, this may well downgrade the material, rendering it more suitable for use on furniture interiors. The finished surface is usually elegantly smooth looking.

It is also well known for its aromatic scent. This is sometimes so strong when the veneer is being sliced, or even turned for inspection, that it has been known to cause a feeling of dizziness in some people. However, this smell is the reason it is popular for lining the interiors of wardrobes, drawers etc. and it is said to keep moths away.

Logs for veneer, which are carefully selected to be as free from knots as possible, are usually quartered since the major demand is for straight grain material. Occasionally a smaller log might be flat sliced to produce crown featured veneer but, in the main this is unusual. Top quality material in good lengths is not always easy to source and may command quite a high price. Generally, however, Lebanon Cedar veneer is in the low to mid range cost bracket.

Architectural grade material is used for fine wall panelling and other interior decoration and looks extremely elegant with an added feel of solidity.

All in all this splendid and versatile species has been quietly popular for many years and looks likely to continue to be used for many more years to come.