Incense Cedar

Calocedrus decurrens

Description:
Lovely, lush and almost fluffy in appearance, this evergreen has glossy, bright green foliage and a pyramidal growth habit. Native to northern California and Oregon, the tree is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions from wet to dry and will grow very quickly in sunny, moist areas.

Power Line Approved: No

Min. street tree planting width: 12 feet

Mature Height: 55 feet

Mature Spread: 20 feet

Tree Shape: Pyramidal

Where to Plant:
Perfect yard tree, even in smaller yard spaces because of its narrow growth habit.

Leaves:
Flat, evergreen “sprays” are bright green, glossy and sweet smelling in warm weather or when crushed.

Fruit:
Green cones ripen at the ends of branches, turn brown and open into conspicuous three-pronged cones which fall to the ground in fall.

Preferred Site Conditions:
Needs full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Well adapted to wet and dry growing conditions. Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils but can be tolerant of poor soils. 

Potential Problems:
Relatively pest free

Minimum Planting Distances:

  • 15 feet from house or building
  • 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
  • 5 feet from underground utility lines
  • 10 feet from power poles
  • 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
  • 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
  • 30 feet from street intersections

Additional Resources