Cedar of Lebanon is the hardiest of the true Cedars and could potentially survive Chicago winters in a protected environment. A majestric tree at maturity with a distinctive flat crown silhouette featured on the national flag of Lebanon. Grown in full sun in well drained soils and wrap trunk of young trees with a protective covering to prevent sun scald and bark split in late winter/early spring. The wood from this tree was used in the construction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem

וְאֶרֶז אֶל-הַבַּיִת פְּנִימָה מִקְלַעַת פְּקָעִים וּפְטוּרֵי צִצִּים.  הַכֹּל אֶרֶז; אֵין אֶבֶן נִרְאָה.

I Kings 6:18 “And the cedar on the House within was carved with buds and blossoming flowers. All was cedar; there was no stone seen.”

Cedar

ארז  (erez)

Cedars of Lebanon

הלבנון ארזי  (arzay hal’vanoan) (“oa” as in “moan”)

Num 19:6 used in burning the red heifer, the ashes of which are to be used for purification purposes

Ezekiel 27:5 describing Tyre as a splendid ship, built in part of cedar planks

I Kings 6:18 et al – in the construction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem