The photo above showing a Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) in silhouette was taken near La Morra, Italy. For scale purposes, the photographer is shown at its side. Photographer Stefano De Rosa
This strapping coniferous evergreen tree sits atop the Monfalletto Hill in the heart of The Langhe; the region in northwest Italy famous for its wines.
It was planted in 1856 and is now about 50 ft (15 m) in height and visible from most of the villages and cities of Langhe. As its name implies, it’s native to Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean mountains — at altitudes between about 3,200 ft to 6,500 ft (c.1000 – 2,000 m).
However, Cedar of Lebanon trees can be grown at much lower elevations if sufficient moisture is available. Some specimens have been documented to live more than 1,000 years. Because its wood is beautiful and easy to work with, it’s been sought after since ancient times — only remnant stands of the original forests remain.
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