Botanical Name: Calocedrus decurrens
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Common Name: Incense Cedar  
Plant photo of: Calocedrus decurrens
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

 

Height Range

25-40', 40-60'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Wetlands, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Park

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Wind Break

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Normans/Sortomme
  • Description

  • Notes

Incense Cedar is a handsome evergreen with a stiff, narrowly columnar form in its youth, becoming more pyramidal in age. Shiny dark green needles hold their color well in winter months. Bark is brown, and turns yellowish brown to cinnamon red and is fibrous. Slow growing to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide, though it may grow taller. Small brown cones appear in summer. Foliage is aromatic when brushed. It has low watering needs once it's established.
Prefers well-drained soils; full sun to light shade; and though it may be a little difficult to establish, it is not generally fussy about soil type. Not widely available but is worth seeking out.