Calocedrus decurrens, Incense Cedar

General Information: This handsome tree, with its pyramidal (conical), spreading form, is native to western North America, primarily in the Western United States. Naturally occurring at altitudes from 160 to 9500 feet. The wood is used for window sashes, fencing, greenhouse benches, and poles. It is also used widely for exterior siding. Being pliable, it is one of the few species suitable for making pencils. The fruits ripen in the early autumn, they are reddish-brown or yellowish-brown; the fruit persists on the tree until the following spring. The bark is a bright cinnamon red, with irregular ridges and scale-like plates. Older bark peels in long strips. Leaves are bright green and flat, and scale-like. The wood is aromatic and resists decay and insects. In its native range, the trunk diameter can reach up to 10′. .

Cultivation Details: Easy to grow in the garden and adaptable. Give it plenty of room. Prefers deep but infrequent watering when young; it will develop drought tolerance as it matures. The branches can withstand the weight of snow and ice, and they retain their bright green color in winter. Caloderus can be grown as a specimen in a large garden, or it can be grouped to form a screen or windbreak; it also works for erosion control. Browsing is moderate, and small mammals eat the seeds; the main wildlife use of this species is habitat/cover.

Growing Requirements: Calocedrus decurrens tolerates a variety of soils and can withstand the blazing summer heat and drought. Prefers full sun, but tolerates and can thrive with partial shade. They prefer some protection from harsh winds. Ideally, they prefer a well-draining soil as they are sensitive to constantly wet conditions, avoid waterlogged areas.