California Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens

Intense Cedar is a native to western North America.  In the US, it can be found as far north as central Oregon, continues south through most of California and east into Nevada and Utah along wooded mountain slopes and canyons.  In addition to its aromatic and showy foliage, this conifer sports interesting exfoliating gray-brown bark and showy male and female cones.  Its form is broadly conical with spreading branches. The branchlets are flattened and terminate in dense, fan-like sprays.  The dark green leaves emit an aromatic odor when crushed.  The small male cones are yellow.  The female cones are cylindrical and are composed of 6 paired, flattened, and pointed scales.  In early fall, as the female cones open, they resemble a duck's bill.  They ripen in late summer at lower elevations and a month or so later when situated at higher elevations.

It will adapt to a variety of soils, however, it prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil.  It typically does not develop winter burn.  When deep, infrequent watering is provided to a young tree, it can develop drought tolerance as the tree ages.

Wildfires can kill stands of young trees, while mature trees are protected from fire by their thick bark.

Its wide spreading lateral roots and the abundance of downward roots (taproots) form a strong structure for the tree while making it a poor choice for transplanting.  Seedlings grow slowly, but also produce well-developed root systems, extending up to 12" in depth in their first year.  The seedling survival rate is inhibited by deer browsing and low sunlight.  

Its soft wood, which is resistant to splintering, is a major wood used in the manufacture of pencils.  The strong aroma makes it a great choice for cedar chests and closets.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Issues may include cut worms, heart rot and rust.  Although mature trees are drought tolerant, drought is a major cause in the demise of seedlings.  It is a difficult tree to transplant.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University