Incense Cedar
Calocedrus decurrens
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
Medium; Prefers deep woodland soil with high organic content. Tolerates serpentine soil..
12–197ft tall , 50–50ft wide
Mar-May
Evergreen
Resistant
Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges from Lassen County south to Kern County, 3000-8000 ft elevation, in conifer forest.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Incense Cedar in full sun in a location with plenty of room - this tree grows large and needs space to spread. Choose a spot with medium-draining soil rich in organic matter; it prefers deep woodland soil but will tolerate serpentine soil. Plant in fall or winter when the tree is dormant to give it time to establish roots before summer heat. Space it where it has room to develop its broad conical crown without crowding nearby plants.
After Planting
Water deeply but infrequently when young to build drought tolerance; once established, cut back to watering no more than twice a month during summer. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering - Incense Cedar is native to our region and doesn't need coddling once its roots are deep. Expect slow, steady growth in year one as the tree focuses on root development rather than top growth. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches; this tree naturally develops a handsome shape and doesn't need shaping.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Large cavities in incense cedar provide nesting and roosting sites
Forages on foliage and bark for arthropods; year-round resident in coniferous forests
Uses dense foliage for nesting and cover in mixed conifer forests
Insects
Hypogeous fungus forms mycorrhizal relationships; fruiting bodies dispersed by forest mammals
Wood-boring beetle larvae tunnel in incense cedar wood and bark
Larval wood borer in incense cedar; targets stressed or newly felled trees
Larvae defoliate coniferous foliage in spring; can cause significant browsing damage
Parasitic mistletoe species specific to incense cedar; supports specialized arthropod communities
Armored scale insect feeding on incense cedar and related conifers
Larvae are polyphagous defoliators on various conifers including incense cedar
Butterfly larvae feed on conifer foliage; spring emergence timed with new growth