In its region of origin, this cedar can reach heights up to 40 m, but often remains lower when cultivated. In its youth, the tree grows broad and pyramidal: later the upper branches spread out more horizontally, creating a characteristic flat-topped branching. The brown-coloured lateral branches also spread out straight and horizontal. Occasionally, the tree grows broader than high. The dark green needles grow in large bundles of 20 to 40 together. They are fairly short and stiff. The upright grey-green cones grow singly, 5 - 12 cm long and 4 - 6 cm wide. They have short stems and turn brown when ripe. Cedrus libani prefers warm, long summers and tolerates dry conditions well. Saplings are somewhat sensitive to frost and require good support in the first years of growth. Cedrus libani grows steadily more impressive as it ages. There are 2000-year-old specimens known, with a trunk diameter of several metres.