Incense Cedar | Calocedrus decurrens
Photo Credit: Seven Oaks Native Nursery
Description
Attractively shaped evergreen conifer with dense foliage often used in home landscapes. Wood has pleasant odor. Branches are flattened vertically, appearing fan-like. Bark is reddish brown and broken into scales in young trees, turning into fibrous ridges. Small scale-like leaves are in whorls of four, aromatic when crushed.
Plant Details
| Habitats | Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland | |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat Notes | More commonly found at higher elevations (2000-8000 ft). Does well in dry conditions and slightly acidic soil. | |
| Mature Height | 160 ft | |
| Shade Preference | Sun, part shade | |
| Soil Tolerance | Tolerant of many different soil types | |
| Special Uses | Attracts birds; provides wildlife forage, cover and food; deer resistant; good species to plant in strips for windbreaks | |
| Ethnobotany | A decoction of the leaves were used to treat stomach troubles; steam from infusion of bark used to treat colds |
