Anisha Riggs
The incense cedar, or Calocedrus decurrens, is a beautiful, aromatic tree native to the West Coast of the United States, primarily found in Oregon and California. With a straight trunk, reddish bark, and dark green foliage, the incense cedar is an uncommon conifer that can grow to impressive heights of up to 150 feet. Its wood and foliage have a spicy fragrance, and its scientific name, Calocedrus, is derived from the Greek for beautiful cedar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Incense Cedar |
| Scientific Name | Calocedrus decurrens |
| Family | Cypress family (Cupressaceae) |
| Type | Ornamental and timber evergreen conifer |
| Height | 30-45 metres (100-150 feet) tall |
| Diameter | Up to 5.5 metres (18 feet) |
| Habitat | Native to the western slopes of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges of North America |
| Altitude | 300 to 2,800 meters (1,000 to 9,200 feet) |
| Soil Preference | Freely draining, slightly acidic |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Sun Preference | Full sun, but tolerates shade |
| Bark | Reddish, furrowed |
| Foliage | Dark green leaves with a spicy fragrance |
| Uses | Carpentry, pencils, storage chests, interiors, fence posts |
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What You'll Learn
Incense cedar is a West Coast tree, native to parts of Oregon and California
Incense cedar, or *Calocedrus decurrens*, is a West Coast tree species native to parts of Oregon and California. It is an ornamental and timber evergreen conifer of the cypress family (*Cupressaceae*). Incense cedar is primarily found on the western slopes of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, at altitudes of 300 to 2,800 meters (1,000 to 9,200 feet). The tree is well-adapted to the warm, dry summers and relatively mild winters of southwest Oregon, and it can tolerate a variety of ecological conditions, from riparian (stream-side) environments to dry sites.
The incense cedar tree can grow to impressive heights, typically reaching 30 to 45 meters (100 to 150 feet) tall, and up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in diameter. The largest known incense cedar is located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness of Northern California, boasting a circumference of 469 inches and a height of 165 feet. The tree has a straight trunk with reddish, furrowed bark, and its spreading branches end in sprays of branchlets covered with dark green leaves. The foliage and wood of the incense cedar contain resins, giving off a spicy fragrance when crushed, reminiscent of a mix of pencil shavings and parsnips.
The wood of the incense cedar is fine-grained, easily worked, aromatic, and generally resistant to decay and insects. Native Americans utilized incense cedar leaves in various ways, including as a decoction for stomach ailments, a vapor infusion for colds, and even as a food spice. The bark fiber was also used for basketry, twine, friction fire-making, and fuel, while the branches found a purpose as filters or brooms. Today, the timber is commonly used for carpentry, pencils, storage chests, interiors, and fence posts.
Incense cedar is a drought-tolerant species, capable of closing its leaf pores (stomata) to prevent water loss. It prefers freely draining, slightly acidic soil and is a slow-to-moderate grower that can tolerate shade but thrives in full sun. Regular irrigation is necessary during the first few years of establishment. Incense cedar is also grown ornamentally in Europe and the eastern United States, valued for its ability to withstand summer heat, low water requirements, and adaptability to poor soils.
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The tree can grow up to 150 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter
The incense cedar is a true giant among trees. This conifer can grow to towering heights, with some specimens reaching up to 150 feet tall. Its trunk can be quite substantial, attaining diameters of up to 18 feet. The tree has a straight trunk, with reddish, furrowed bark, and spreading branches that end in sprays of branchlets, covered with dark green leaves. The largest known incense cedar is located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness of Northern California, boasting a circumference of 469 inches and a height of 165 feet.
These majestic trees are native to the western slopes of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in North America, typically found at altitudes ranging from 300 to 2,800 meters. They thrive in a variety of ecological conditions, demonstrating a preference for dry sites and adapting well to the warm, dry summers and mild winters of the West Coast. While they can tolerate shade, incense cedars flourish in full sun and are well-suited to areas with freely draining, slightly acidic soil.
The impressive size of the incense cedar is not its only remarkable feature. The tree's foliage and wood contain resins that give off a spicy fragrance when crushed, emitting a pleasant aroma that has led to its name. This fragrance is not just appealing to human senses but also serves a practical purpose, as the incense cedar's aromatic wood possesses insect-repelling qualities. The wood from these trees has been valued for its workability and resistance to decay, finding a range of uses in carpentry, including pencils, storage chests, interiors, and fence posts.
The incense cedar is more than just a source of wood, however. Its presence extends beyond the workshop and into the cultural realm. Native Americans utilized the leaves of the incense cedar for medicinal purposes, employing them to treat stomach troubles and colds. Additionally, the leaves were used as a food spice, adding a unique flavour to their cuisine. The bark fibre of the tree was also an essential resource, used in basketry, twine-making, and even for friction fire-making and fuel, showcasing the versatility of this remarkable tree.
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It has reddish, furrowed bark, with dark green leaves
The incense cedar, or *Calocedrus decurrens*, is a beautiful tree native to the western United States, primarily in Oregon and California. It is an evergreen conifer, part of the cypress family, and is commonly found on the western slopes of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. The tree is easily recognisable, with its reddish, furrowed bark and dark green leaves. The bark of the incense cedar is thick and fire-resistant, allowing the tree to tolerate surface fires. This fire resistance is due to the aromatic compounds found in the wood, which also give the tree its distinctive spicy fragrance.
The reddish bark of the incense cedar is furrowed, or ridged, creating an interesting texture that stands out from the smooth bark of many other tree species. This bark, along with the tree's foliage and branching structure, contributes to its overall beauty and distinctive appearance. The dark green leaves of the incense cedar contrast nicely with the reddish bark, creating a pleasing visual effect. Both juvenile and mature leaves are usually present on the tree at the same time.
The dark green colour of the leaves is due to the high concentration of chlorophyll in them, which is essential for the tree's photosynthesis process. The leaves are also covered with a waxy cuticle, which helps to protect them from moisture loss and insect damage. In addition to their colour, the leaves of the incense cedar are also notable for their distinctive shape and arrangement. They are arranged in sprays of branchlets, creating a lush and full appearance.
The overall effect of the reddish, furrowed bark and dark green leaves is a tree that is not only visually appealing but also has a strong presence in the landscape. The incense cedar is a hardy and resilient tree, able to tolerate a variety of ecological conditions, including drought and poor soil. It is a slow-to-moderate grower, eventually reaching heights of up to 45 metres (150 feet) in the wild.
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The foliage and wood have a spicy fragrance
The incense cedar, or *Calocedrus decurrens*, is a beautiful tree with a straight trunk, reddish bark, and spreading branches that end in sprays of branchlets covered with dark green leaves. But it's not just a pretty tree—its foliage and wood are full of resins and have a distinctive spicy fragrance. When crushed, they give off a wonderful aroma that some have likened to a mix of pencil shavings and parsnips. This aroma is not just pleasant but also has practical benefits, as it is known to repel insects.
The name "incense cedar" itself is derived from the odour its leaves emit when bruised or crushed. Native Americans have long recognized this fragrance and used incense-cedar leaves in decoctions for stomach troubles, as a vapour infusion for colds, and even as a food spice. The wood from the incense cedar tree is also used for carpentry, pencils, storage chests, interiors, and fence posts.
The incense cedar is a hardy tree that can tolerate a variety of ecological conditions, from the dry summers and wet, mild winters of the West Coast to the humid conditions of the East Coast. It is drought-tolerant, able to close its leaf pores to prevent water loss, and can grow in a range of soils, from serpentine to granitic. This adaptability has allowed it to thrive in its native habitats in the western United States, primarily in the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.
The largest known incense cedar is a true giant, standing at 165 feet tall with a circumference of 469 inches in Northern California's Marble Mountain Wilderness. These trees can live for a long time, with some specimens estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old. With their beauty, fragrance, and versatility, it's no wonder that incense cedars are valued by gardeners, craftspeople, and nature enthusiasts alike.
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The wood is used for carpentry, pencils, chests, and closets
The incense cedar, or *Calocedrus decurrens*, is a beautiful tree native to the western United States, primarily in California and Oregon. With its straight trunk, reddish bark, and dark green foliage, this tree is more than just a pretty sight—its wood is also highly valued for various practical purposes.
The wood of the incense cedar is used in carpentry, particularly for creating storage items such as chests and closets. Its fine-grained and easily workable nature makes it a carpenter's dream. The wood is resistant to decay, with the exception of pocket dry rot, and its natural aromatic properties help repel insects. For these reasons, it is an ideal choice for crafting long-lasting storage solutions.
One of the most well-known uses of incense cedar wood is in the creation of pencils. Its straight grain and ease of sharpening made it the wood of choice for pencil manufacturers in the past. While most pencils today are made from tropical hardwoods, the iconic scent of cedar remains synonymous with the writing instrument.
In addition to its use in carpentry and pencil-making, incense cedar wood is also used for interior design elements. Its aromatic fragrance and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for interior panelling, window sashes, and fencing. The wood's insect-repelling properties further add to its desirability for indoor use.
The versatility and unique characteristics of incense cedar wood have ensured its continued popularity in various applications, from the functional to the aesthetic. Its workability, durability, and natural fragrance make it a favoured material for carpenters, crafters, and designers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
The incense cedar has reddish, furrowed bark and dark green leaves. The wood is whitish in colour.
An incense cedar can grow to be 30 to 45 metres (100 to 150 feet) tall and up to 5.5 metres (18 feet) in diameter. The largest known incense cedar is 165 feet tall, with a circumference of 469 inches.
The incense cedar is native to parts of Oregon and California, particularly the western slopes of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges of North America, at altitudes of 300 to 2,800 metres (1,000 to 9,200 feet). It is also found in Baja, Mexico.
The foliage and wood of the incense cedar are full of resins and have a spicy fragrance. When crushed, they are said to smell like a mix of pencil shavings and parsnips.
