© Pavel Šinkyřík, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Calocedrus spp.
incense cedar
Overview
Calocedrus is a small genus of evergreen conifers in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), with species in western North America and East Asia. The California incense cedar, C. decurrens, is the largest species, forming a dense columnar to conical tree 40-150 feet (12-45 m) tall with a single trunk to 4 feet (1.2 m) across and cinnamon-brown, furrowed bark. The foliage consists of flattened sprays of scale-like leaves arranged in repeating sets of four, rich green and strongly aromatic when bruised. Plants are wind-pollinated, and the slender seed cones, about 0.8-1 inch (20-25 mm) long, hang from the branch tips and open into a shape often likened to a duck bill as they release winged seed. Calocedrus grows on mountain slopes and dry ridges and tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established, though it grows slowly and is sensitive to waterlogging. The aromatic wood of C. decurrens is the main timber used for pencils.
Native Range
Calocedrus is native to western North America and to East Asia. C. decurrens grows in the mountains of Oregon, California, and western Nevada into northern Baja California, while other species occur in China, Taiwan, and mainland Southeast Asia. Plants grow on well-drained mountain slopes in mixed conifer forest.Suggested Uses
Calocedrus decurrens is used as a specimen, tall screen, and avenue tree in gardens with room for its narrow, columnar crown. It suits dry, sunny sites in USDA zones 5-8 and is grown as a timber tree for pencil and joinery wood. Its eventual height and slow early growth limit its use in small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 150'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Bloom Information
Conifers do not flower. Pollen is shed from small terminal cones in late winter and early spring, and the slender seed cones ripen within a single season. Cones open in autumn to release the winged seed, then often fall soon after.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Rich greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight