Plant Description

Calcocedrus decurrens

Incense Cedar has dense foliage and an attractive shape at its mature height, making it common choice for landscaping. Its wood also has a pleasant scent.

An incense cedar tree in front of a forested background and blue sky, on a hillside.

An Incense Cedar on a hillside, against a forested background and blue sky.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height at 20 yrs 25-32 ft
Mature Height 100-150 ft
Growth Rate Fast
Life Span Perennial
Moisture Use Moderate
Drought Tolerance Moderate-High
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value Important for habitat
Timber Value High
Resprout Ability Yes
Hardiness USDA Zones 5-8
Flower Color Yellow
Bloom Time April-May
Habitat Conifer forests, dry in the summer and wet in the winter

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Tracheophytes
Clade Gymnosperms
Order Cupressales
Family Cupressaceae
Genus Calocedrus
Species C. decurrens

Planting information

Sun

Full sun to mostly shade

Soil

Sandy loam and clay loam preferred, must be well-drained

Special Uses

Woodland gardens, windbreaks, erosion control, screens

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES