Calocedrus (Libocedrus) decurrens (Incense Cedar)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo is from Idyllwild, as is the photo below.

The two photos below are from Mt Palomar, in the misty rain.

More photos:

Las Pilitas

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Cupressaceae

In the garden:

An evergreen forest tree, which will reach a height of from 80 to 150 feet. It is aromatic with a straight, conical trunk with a broad base. The lower branches turn downward, while the upper branches are erect, in the from of a conical crown. The bark is cinnamon-brown, thick, and fibrous. Leaves are light green and less than ½ inch in length. Cones are about 1 inch long. The wood is light, soft, and durable in the ground, usually with cavities due to dry rot. The older trees are susceptible to root fungus. This tree is not a true cedar, but is rather a cypress. It adapts to many western climates and in warm weather, it gives pungent fragrance to the garden. Although slow growing when first planted, it may grow 2 feet per year, once established. Deep, infrequent watering in youth will make this tree unusually drought tolerant when mature. It tolerates both heat and poor soils. A good tree to make a green wall, high screen, or windbreak.

In the wild:

Found on Mountain slopes and canyons, between 2400 and 8200 feet. Native from Oregon to Baja California. It is the only Libocedrus that is native to the US. Wildlife primarily use incense-cedar as cover.

Ethnobotany:

Incense Cedar is used for shingles posts, and railroad ties. Also, this tree provides the wood most often used in the manufacture of pencils. It is also used for cedar closets and chests. The wood does not splinter and is well suited for ornamental purposes. Native people used the wood for house posts and the bark for roofing.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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