Incense Cedar

Incense cedar is a slow-growing evergreen conifer with flat sprays of scale-like green foliage and small cones that mature from green to brown. Its narrow, upright silhouette can provide a strong vertical element in a large landscape, but mature trees need substantial clearance from buildings and utilities. ## Landscape use and size The [Cambridge University Botanic Garden](https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/the-garden/plant-list/calocedrus-decurrens/) describes this western North American tree as columnar and exceeding 40 metres tall. The [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/caldec) gives a broad species range of 20–57 metres tall and notes that trees on dry exposed sites may remain smaller. Allow room for a very large canopy and long-lived trunk; this is not a small-yard conifer. ## Siting Incense cedar occurs across a range of habitats, from shaded stream corridors to dry, exposed slopes. The Forest Service reports tolerance of varied soils and substantial drought tolerance in established trees, while noting that young seedlings can be vulnerable to drought. A well-drained site and careful watering during establishment help roots become established. It tolerates sun and partial shade, though growth conditions influence its eventual form. ## Maintenance After establishment, routine pruning is usually limited to removing damaged or crossing branches. Keep the central leader intact when a strong columnar form is desired, and avoid topping. Water young trees during prolonged dry periods; mature-tree drought tolerance should not be assumed during the establishment years.