Native to the Cicilia and the Taurus Mountains and the mountains of Lebanon, this cedar grows to 10 - 20 m. It prefers deep moist soil and does best in cool climates in Australia. It is not frost tolerant. Although it can be very long lived (2,500 years), it rarely lives beyond 1000 years.
It is of little economic importance because of its slow growth, but can grow up to 9m in 20 years. The timber is very durable and used for fine joinery and veneers and has a strong scent. King Solomon built his temple with the timber of this species, destroying much of the native stand in the process.