Incense Cedar, California Incense Cedar
Calocedrus decurrens

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Unknown. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Columnar, Pyramidal.

Calocedrus decurrens is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Found on a variety of soils, usually on western slopes at an altitude of 700 - 2500 metres. The best specimens are found on deep well-drained slightly acidic sandy loam soils.

South-western N. America - Oregon to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The dense leaflets have been used as a flavouring and protection when leaching acorns.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the leaves has been used to treat stomach troubles. Steam from an infusion of the leaves has been inhaled in the treatment of colds.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

The boughs and twigs have been used to make brooms. The roots have been used as overlay twine warps and overlay twine weft bases in making baskets. The bark has been made into baskets. Wood - soft, light, close grained, very durable in the soil though it is often damaged by dry rot. It has a powerful, incense-like fragrance and is used for making shingles, lathes, fencing, pencils, construction etc. Mature trees are often infected by dry rot, so they are not considered to be a major timber species.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Screen, Specimen. Succeeds in full sun in a moist well-drained soil that is neutral to acid, though it will also survive on dry alkaline soils. Plants are shade tolerant when young. It grows best in a position that is sheltered from strong winds. Trees are slow growing but long-lived in the wild, with specimens up to 1000 years old recorded. They grow slowly in Britain, but they are perfectly hardy. Young trees can grow 60cm in a year but they seldom average more than 30cm. Growth virtually stops once the tree reaches 25 metres tall. All parts of the plant are strongly aromatic. This species is strongly resistant to honey fungus. The tree exhibits very different crown habits dependant upon the area in which it is being grown. At one time these different habits were considered to be different sub-species, but it is recognised now that it is only climatic forces that cause the differences. Special Features: North American native, Fragrant foliage, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of the current season's growth, taken in mid autumn, in a light sandy soil in a cold frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Heyderia decurrens. Libocedrus decurrens. Thuja gigantea. non Nutt.