Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

A beautiful, long lived evergreen tree is native to California, southern Oregon, western Nevada and into the northern tip of Baja California, Mexico. Popular as an ornamental tree, especially in Great Britain, Washington and British Columbia, where due to the cool climate they tend to grow with a very narrow upright form. In the wild they can grow to 200 feet tall, with a wide spreading crown and have a trunk up to 12’ in diameter. Very fragrant wood is popular for paneling, siding, shingles, fenceposts and is the favored wood for making pencils due to its soft non splintering texture. Very drought tolerant it can grow in areas too hot and dry for the Western Red cedar. Light green foliage emits a sweet fragrance when warmed by the sun Hardy zones 5-9.