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incense cedar

Scientific Name: Calocedrus

Family: Cupressaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Incense Cedar: Aromatic Evergreen

The Incense Cedar, scientifically known as Calocedrus decurrens, is a striking coniferous tree admired for its fragrant foliage and distinctive form. Often mistaken as a true cedar, it belongs to the cypress family and is a valuable species in both natural ecosystems and cultivated landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

  • The tree produces fragrant needles on evergreen branches.

Considerations for Children

  • The tree produces fragrant needles on evergreen branches.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens
  • Common Names: Incense Cedar, Californian Incense-cedar, California White Cedar
  • Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)
  • Synonym: Libocedrus decurrens Torr. (formerly)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the mountains of western North America.
  • Ranges from near the Columbia River in Oregon south to north Baja California and northwest Mexico.
  • Found in Oregon, California, Lake Tahoe in Nevada.
  • Thrives in a variety of soils.
  • Grows as a riparian (stream-side) tree or under other high moisture conditions, as well as areas characterized by dry summers (less than 25 mm precipitation per month).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen conifer with fragrant, fan-like needles.
  • Grows tall and straight, maintaining a narrow, columnar form.
  • Reaches heights of 30 to 45 meters (100 to 150 feet), with trunk diameters up to 5.5 meters (18 feet).
  • Cone-shaped growth form, reaching 60 to 150 feet in height.
  • Scalelike leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Drought-tolerant species.
  • Tolerates a variety of ecological conditions.
  • Serpentine tolerant, heat tolerant.

Uses

  • Widely used in parks and landscaping.
  • Wood is durable and decay-resistant, used for lumber.
  • Used to make pencils because its timber is soft and easy to sharpen without splinters.
  • Historically, an infusion of the bark was inhaled for treating colds.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite its common name, the Incense Cedar is not a true cedar. True cedars are only found in the Mediterranean and Himalayas.
  • The tree gets its name from the odor its leaves emit when bruised.
  • Mature specimens can survive 500 to 1000 years in the wild.