Cedar of Lebanon

“Nature’s Bench”

  • A large, sprawling tree with many trunks

    Stats

    Location: Directly in front of T.J. Day Hall on Founder’s Way

    Board Feet: 3,711.3

    Green Weight: 25,732.1 kg

    Dry Weight: 12,866.0 kg

    Carbon Sequestered: 6,433.0 kg

    Height: 79.9 ft

    Trunk Circumference: 53.3 in

  • Majestic Qualities

    Cedars of Lebanon can live for thousands of years. While they first grow upward, “second order branches” grow outward, sometimes skimming along the ground. A cedar this large produces enough oxygen for 210,000 people to breathe every day.

    The Cedar of Lebanon has been culturally significant for more than 4,000 years. The Epic of Gilgamesh, the world’s first epic, tells of a hero’s journey to the Cedar Forest, the realm of Mesopotamian gods. Lebanon cedar also appears in the Torah, the New Testament and in the Qu’ran, where a giant cedar guards the entrance to the 7th Heaven.

  • Backstory

    Every tree on this list is wonderful to look at — but only one functions as both tree and furniture. It has multiple spiraling branches, so thick they look like trunks, running parallel to the ground at couch-height. This Cedar of Lebanon is the living room of trees — wander inside it to seek shelter from the rain, eavesdrop on passerbys or simply enjoy a good sit.

Endorsed by:

Linfield Alpha Phi

Linfield Residence Life

Linfield Professor David Sumner

The Associated Students of Linfield University

Linfield’s Director of Institutional Research Jennifer Ballard

Linfield’s Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Debbie Harmon Ferry

Linfield Executive Assistant To The Vice President of Academic Affairs Amy Ward

  • “As a big fan of Gilgamesh, I’m throwing my vote to the Cedar of Lebanon.” — Dr. David Sumner, Department of English

  • “This tree feels huggable. Just as wacky as some of the students here. Truly a joy to experience.” -Chloe Brady Class of 24’

  • “I walk by this tree every day I arrive for work and appreciate its graceful form and grandeur. I smell its woodsy scent and that scent takes me deep in the middle of the woods for a moment of peace. I like to think it’s the right frame of mind to start the day and I thank the tree for it!” -Jennifer Ballard, Director of Institutional Research

  • “The Cedar of Lebanon is dedicated to those who are strong and resilient, with arms spread wide. Their roots embedded deep within the community prevailing the longevity of a legacy. It is for those who need balance and a chance to take a breath; a chance to exhale the stress, fear and anxiety. The grounding sense of fingertips brushing rough bark and a sturdy trunk. Inhale new adventures to come. A Nature’s Bench who is there to support the victories of today and tomorrow. A graduation cap and a soft goodbye with the last lingering touches of comfort. Their branches who have held up and welcomed so many. Sweeping across incoming and graduating souls. Calming minds and instilling confidence. 

     The Cedar of Lebanon is not just majestic in presentation. This tree is ingrained in the roots of students, staff, and faculty across the beauty that it calls home. This tree is important for the opportunities, empowerment, and wonder that it instills in all of those who cast a glance. 

    Submit your vote for the Cedar of Lebanon and help us uphold its legacy!” -Stacey Buchanan, Linfield Area Director for Student Leadership

  • “So many people pause to take pictures of this tree.  It feels like a good friend greeting me as I arrive for work and bidding me farewell as I make my way home.”- Debbie Harmon Ferry, Director of Parent and Alumni Relations