SafePlants

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

The Incense Cedar, scientifically known as Calocedrus decurrens, is a striking coniferous tree appreciated for its fragrant foliage and graceful form.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that an infusion of incense cedar bark was inhaled in the treatment of colds. This implies a potential presence of volatile compounds.
• The tree's needles are described as scale-like.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that an infusion of incense cedar bark was inhaled in the treatment of colds. This implies a potential presence of volatile compounds.
• The tree's needles are described as scale-like.

Common Names and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens
• Common Names: Incense Cedar, Californian Incense-Cedar, California White Cedar
• Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
• Synonym: Libocedrus decurrens Torr.
• The text notes that Incense Cedar is not a "true cedar." The only true cedars are found in the Mediterranean and Himalayas.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, from Oregon through most of California to northwest Mexico.
• Specific locations mentioned include the mountains of the far west, near the Columbia River in Oregon, southern California, the Cascade region, Lake Tahoe in Nevada, and north Baja California.
• Grows well in the Cascade region and tolerates a variety of ecological conditions.
• Can grow as a riparian (stream-side) tree.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A dark columnar evergreen conifer that grows tall and straight but remains narrow from top to bottom.
• Mature specimens are long-lived, surviving 500 to 1000 years in the wild.
• The trees produce fragrant fan-like needles on evergreen branches.
• Growth is slow, reaching up to 150 feet, but more likely around 30 feet in a human lifetime.
• The tree emits a distinct odor when its leaves are bruised.
• Growth Form: Cone-shaped, 60 to 150 feet; older trees often have multiple-trunk tops due to damage from disease, wind, or lighting.
• Bark can be charcoal-colored on some trees.

Ecological Role

• Hearty and drought-tolerant, growing in a variety of soils.
• Appreciates protection from drying winter winds.

Uses

• Widely used in parks and landscaping.
• The timber is soft and used to make pencils.
• Lumber is durable and decay-resistant.
• Historically, an infusion of the bark was inhaled to treat colds.
• Essential oil is distilled from the needles.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Susceptible to Seiridium canker, which causes branches to die back.

Quirky Facts

• The Incense Cedar's name is a bit of a misnomer because it is not a true cedar. True cedars are found in the Mediterranean and Himalayas.
• The wood is valued because it makes pencils easy to sharpen without splinters.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information.
• PNW Plant Handbook Article on Cedar, Incense-Branch Canker.
• Dave's Garden shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.