Heidi Norton
California incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is a species of conifer native to western North America, with a bulk range in the western United States. It is easy to grow in a garden but requires plenty of room. This variety of cedar thrives in poor soils, doesn't need fertilizer, and once established, needs very little water. To grow California incense cedar from seed, start seeds in a cold frame in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | California Incense Cedar |
| Scientific Name | Calocedrus Decurrens |
| Region | Native to Western North America, including Oregon, California, Nevada, and Northern Baja California in Mexico |
| Altitude Range | 160 to 9500 feet |
| Tree Size | Large, with a trunk diameter of up to 10 feet |
| Crown Shape | Broad and conic, with spreading branches |
| Bark Color | Orange-brown, weathering to grayish |
| Bark Texture | Smooth when young, becoming fissured and peeling in long strips on old trees |
| Foliage | Flattened sprays with short, scale-like leaves |
| Leaf Color | Bright green on both sides of the shoots |
| Soil Requirements | Thrives in poor soils |
| Watering | Requires deep, infrequent watering when young to develop drought tolerance; needs very little water once established |
| Fertilizer | Does not require fertilizer |
| Propagation | Start seeds in a cold frame in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer |
| Pests | Sometimes bothered by rust; effective in summertime pest control for beetles, worms, and flies |
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What You'll Learn
Start seeds in a cold frame in spring
Starting seeds in a cold frame in spring is a great way to begin your gardening season early. A cold frame is a box with an open bottom and a clear top that harnesses sunlight to create a warmer microclimate than the surrounding temperature. This allows you to start seeds earlier in the season, providing the ideal conditions of moisture and warmth for seeds to germinate.
To start California incense cedar seeds in a cold frame in spring, begin by locating your cold frame over well-drained soil that doesn't collect water. The ideal orientation is south-facing, as this provides the maximum amount of sunlight and heating capacity. Position the north end of the structure near a building or fence to reduce heat loss. The dimensions of your cold frame will depend on the materials you're using, but it should not be more than 3 feet deep so you can easily reach the back without stepping inside. A taller frame can accommodate taller plants, but if the box is too large, it will be difficult to access the inside.
When building your cold frame, you can use wood, cinder blocks, bricks, poured concrete, plastic lumber, or straw bales. Old glass windows or clear plastic can be used for the transparent covering. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic material to enrich it. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
Plant your California incense cedar seeds according to the instructions. Remember that the soil temperature in the cold frame is likely about 10 degrees higher than the outside temperature, so you can start seeds that require a minimum temperature to germinate earlier in the season. You can use seed-starting trays or pots to easily move your seedlings out of the cold frame and into the soil when they are ready.
As the weather warms, prop the lid of your cold frame open to a gradually greater degree to harden off the seedlings. On particularly warm days, ensure the lid is open to provide ventilation and prevent overheating. Check your cold frame frequently, even on cloudy days, to monitor the temperature and prevent it from getting too warm for your plants.
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Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer is a great way to propagate California incense cedar. Semi-ripe cuttings are taken from stems that are partially matured—firm at the base but still soft at the tip. This technique is suitable for a range of hardy climbers, herbs, ground cover, shrubs, and trees.
To begin, select healthy stems from the season's growth. Avoid damaged, unhealthy, or atypical material. Choose stems that are more horizontal in habit with short internodes (gaps between the leaves). The ideal stem for a semi-ripe cutting should be at least 3mm in diameter—not too thin and floppy, but also not too woody or hard.
Once you've identified the right stems, it's time to make your cuttings. Using sharp, clean tools, cut just below a leaf node (a point on the stem where new growth sprouts from) to create a cutting that is approximately 10-15cm (4-6 inches) in length. Remove the lowest leaves and the very tip of the cutting to encourage root growth.
After preparing your cuttings, it's important to keep them moist. Place them in a plastic bag and store them in a cool, shaded area or even the fridge if the weather is hot. Aim to pot your cuttings within 12 hours. Dip the bottom of each cutting in fresh hormone rooting powder to encourage root development.
Now, fill your pots or containers with a mix of sharp sand and cutting compost, ensuring good drainage. Insert your cuttings into the mix, pushing them gently around the edge so that about 5cm of the cutting is below the compost. Water the pots well and place them in a warm, light position, out of direct sunlight. Remember to remove any excess moisture while keeping the compost damp.
With care and patience, your California incense cedar cuttings will develop roots over the autumn and winter. After about three weeks, check for root development by gently lifting the pots and looking for roots coming through the holes. Once the cuttings have rooted, you can carefully separate them and plant them in their own pots or containers.
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Provide deep, infrequent watering when young
California incense cedar is a low-maintenance plant native to California and other western states from central Oregon to Baja California. It is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant tree that can reach heights of up to 150 feet in the wild but typically grows to about 40 to 80 feet when cultivated in gardens.
When young, California incense cedar should be watered infrequently but deeply. This watering technique encourages the development of a strong root system, which is critical for the tree's long-term health and stability. While the exact frequency of watering will depend on various factors such as soil type, drainage, and local climate, a general guideline is to water once per week, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil.
To optimize water absorption and direct moisture to the perimeter roots, it is recommended to create a water ring around the outer edge of the planting hole. This technique not only conserves water but also encourages outer growth. It is important to note that the soil type plays a crucial role in water retention and drainage. Sandy loam soils, characteristic of the incense cedar's native habitat, offer the ideal balance of drainage and moisture retention.
During the establishment phase, young trees will benefit from extra phosphorus in their fertilizer, which further promotes healthy root development. Once the tree is mature, typically after a few years, it will require very little water and will even thrive in poor, dry soils. This adaptability is a testament to the California incense cedar's toughness and resilience.
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Protect from pests like Japanese beetles
California incense cedar is susceptible to a variety of pests and pathogens, including Japanese beetles. These beetles can cause significant damage to the tree, so it is important to take preventive measures to protect your cedar. Here are some ways to do that:
Firstly, you can use a garden cover. A garden cover is an effective way to screen out Japanese beetles, allowing 97.6% of light to reach your plants while providing protection from pests. This method is ideal for summertime pest control. It also offers protection from other pests such as potato beetles, cabbage worms, and leaf miners.
Secondly, be vigilant and inspect your cedar regularly for any signs of infestation. Japanese beetles are small, metallic blue insects with a green or copper sheen. They feed on the leaves of the cedar, often leaving behind skeletonized foliage. If you notice any signs of Japanese beetle activity, such as chewed leaves or beetles on the plant, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
Additionally, you can consider using insecticides. There are several insecticides available that are effective against Japanese beetles. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label carefully and to choose a product that is suitable for use on California incense cedar. You should also be mindful of the environmental impact of insecticides and explore other options before resorting to chemical treatments.
Finally, maintaining the health of your California incense cedar is crucial. A healthy tree is better equipped to withstand pest infestations and diseases. Ensure that your cedar has adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight. Proper care will help your tree develop a strong root system and robust growth, making it more resilient to Japanese beetles and other pests.
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Allow room to grow into a large tree
When planning to grow a California incense cedar from seed, it is important to remember that these trees can grow to be quite large, easily reaching heights of 50–80 feet (15–24 meters) with a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). Thus, it is crucial to allow sufficient room for the tree to reach its full size.
Ensure that you choose a planting location that can accommodate the tree's mature size. Consider the height and width the tree will eventually reach, and make sure there are no obstructions, such as power lines, buildings, or other structures, that could be impacted by the tree's growth. Select an area with enough open space above and around the tree to allow for unimpeded growth.
California incense cedars have a moderate growth rate, typically adding on about 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) of height per year. While they can tolerate some degree of crowding and competition from other plants, they will grow more vigorously and develop a stronger, more robust structure if given ample space. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them in an area where they will have room to spread out and grow without being cramped by other trees or vegetation.
Additionally, take into account the root system's expansion. California incense cedars develop extensive root systems that may spread beyond the drip line (the outer edge of the tree's canopy). Ensure that the planting area has enough soil volume and depth to accommodate the tree's root growth. Avoid locations close to foundations, underground utilities, or areas where the roots may intrude on nearby structures.
By providing sufficient space for both above-ground and below-ground growth, you will ensure that your California incense cedar has the best possible conditions to thrive and reach its full potential. This foresight will not only benefit the tree but also reduce the need for extensive pruning or potential issues with surrounding structures as the tree matures.
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Frequently asked questions
Start seeds in a cold frame in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
California incense cedar thrives in poor soils and doesn't need fertilizer.
When established, California incense cedar needs very little water. However, when young, it is recommended to water it deeply but infrequently so that it develops drought tolerance.
California incense cedar is sometimes bothered by rust.
The foliage is produced in flattened sprays with short, scale-like leaves that are bright green on both sides of the shoots.
