1 / 2
Coniferous Trees
Calocedrus decurrens
incense cedar
Cupressaceae
Southwestern Oregon south through California to Baja California, Mexico; 1,000–9,000 feet (300–2,750 m) elevation
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height40–70 feet (12–21 m)
Width8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m)
Maturity25 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 9Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low
Overview
A tall, narrowly columnar evergreen conifer native to mountain forests of Oregon and California, reaching 40–70 feet (12–21 m) tall and 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) wide in landscape settings — among the most columnar of any large western conifer. Foliage in flat, fan-like sprays of glossy, dark green to yellow-green scale-like leaves, strongly incense-scented when crushed. Bark cinnamon-red to reddish-brown, fibrous and deeply furrowed on older trees — ornamental year-round. Small pollen cones shed yellow pollen in late winter. Seed cones 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, distinctive duck-bill shaped when open. Remarkably adaptable once established: tolerates heat, drought, poor soils, and summer-dry conditions. One of the best columnar conifers for Pacific Northwest gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9.
Native Range
Calocedrus decurrens is native to mountain forests from southwestern Oregon south through California and into Baja California, Mexico, growing at elevations of 1,000–9,000 feet (300–2,750 m) in association with ponderosa pine, white fir, and Douglas fir. In Oregon it is most common in the Klamath-Siskiyou region.Suggested Uses
Excellent as a columnar specimen, tall screen, or windbreak at 8–12 foot (2.4–3.7 m) spacing where a narrow vertical form is needed. One of the best large columnar conifers for Pacific Northwest gardens, combining native origin with outstanding drought tolerance and year-round ornamental appeal from the cinnamon bark and incense fragrance. Provides cover and nesting for birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Winter
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green to yellow-green scale-like foliage in flat fan-like sprays; strongly incense-scented when crushedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
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
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandrocky
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Very Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
20–30 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil of any type — adaptable to clay, loam, sand, and rocky soils. Space 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) apart for screening. Water during establishment; once established, highly drought tolerant and requires no supplemental irrigation in most Pacific Northwest climates. Tolerates heat, poor soils, and summer-dry conditions. Virtually pest- and disease-free in adapted sites. No pruning needed. Not suited to areas with standing water or waterlogged soils.Pruning
Requires no routine pruning. Preserve the central leader — do not top or cut the leader. Remove dead branches as needed in late winter.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring