Incense Cedar

(Calocedrus decurrens)

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Calocedrus decurrens, commonly known as Incense Cedar, is an evergreen tree native to the mountainous regions of western North America, specifically in mixed coniferous forests from Oregon to Baja California, and eastward to western Nevada. It is a large tree, typically reaching heights of 30–40 meters (100–130 ft) with a trunk diameter of up to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in). The tree has a conical crown with spreading branches and dense, scale-like foliage that emits a distinctive spicy-resinous fragrance. The bark is orange-brown, weathering to grayish, and becomes deeply fissured with age. Incense Cedar is long-lived, with some specimens surviving over 500 years. Its small, yellowish flowers are inconspicuous, but it produces elongated, woody seed cones.

Incense Cedar is valued for its columnar form, evergreen foliage, and resistance to drought, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in gardens, parks, and for use in xeriscaping. It is also used in habitat restoration projects. The tree thrives in full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is less suitable for small gardens due to its large size. Potential problems include susceptibility to scale insects and heart rot. Incense Cedar is potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 70-100 feet
  • Width: 8-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Mixed coniferous forests from Oregon to Baja California, and eastward to western Nevada

Other Names

Common Names: Bastard Cedar , California Incense Cedar , Californian Post Cedar , White Cedar , Fluß-Zeder , Kalifornische Weirauchzeder , Cedro Incienso , Cedro Bastardo , Arbre À Encens , Calocèdre À Encens

Scientific Names: Calocedrus decurrens , Libocedrus decurrens , Heyderia decurrens , Libocedrus decurrens f. aureovariegata , Libocedrus decurrens f. compacta , Libocedrus decurrens f. glauca , Libocedrus decurrens var. aureovariegata , Libocedrus decurrens var. compacta , Libocedrus decurrens var. glauca , Thuja craigana

GBIF Accepted Name: Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin