Plants of the Cedrus genus are collectively known as cedars. They are coniferous trees in the pine family Pinaceae. They are native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region, occurring at altitudes of 1,500–3,200 m in the Himalayas and 1,000–2,200 m in the Mediterranean. Cedars can grow up to 30–40 m (occasionally 60 m) tall and have a spicy-resinous scented wood. Cedars are very popular ornamental trees and the wood is a natural repellent to moths, therefore cedar is a popular lining for cedar chests and closets in which woolens are stored.

Cedrus libani, commonly known as Lebanon Cedar or Cedar of Lebanon, is a species of cedar native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region, in Lebanon, western Syria and south central Turkey, with varieties of it in southwest Turkey, Cyprus, and the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco in northwest Africa. It is an evergreen coniferous tree. Cedar of Lebanon was important to various civilizations. The trees were used by the ancient Phoenicians for building trade and military ships, as well as houses and temples. The Egyptians used its resin for mummification, and its sawdust was found in the pharaoh’s tombs. The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh designates the cedar groves of Lebanon as the dwelling of the gods to where Gilgamesh ventured. They once burned cedar in their ceremonies. Jewish priests were ordered by Moses to use the bark of the Lebanon Cedar in circumcision and treatment of leprosy. According to the Talmud, Jews once burned Lebanese cedar wood on the Mount of Olives to announce the New Year. Kings far and near requested the wood for religious and civil constructs, the most famous of which are King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and David’s and Solomon’s Palaces. It was also used by Romans, Greeks, Persians, Assyrians and Babylonians.