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Incense Cedar · Calocedrus decurrens

Golden-crowned sparrow on Incense-cedar
©Ellen Mast

Incense Cedar's pyramidal form is a common site in suburban gardens and parks, as well as in its wild home in Oregon and California,where it often grows with Douglas Fir. It's range includes coniferous forest habitats from southwestern Oregon on both sides of the Cascades, in the Siskiyous and the Coast Range. The small scale leaves create flat sprays of foliage similar to Western Red Cedar. Mature trees can reach 75 to 90 feet, with open and irregular crowns. Young trees are more columnar. The name refers to the foliage and wood scent. Incense cedar is adaptable to garden conditions, and provides wildlife food and shelter.