How to Grow Incense Cedar

Incense Cedar

Calocedrus decurrens

tree

Incense Cedar is a tall, columnar evergreen conifer native to the western United States, prized for its aromatic wood and attractive foliage. It can reach heights of 40-60 feet with a narrow, pyramidal form that makes it valuable as an ornamental and windbreak. The tree produces small, scale-like foliage and distinctive flattened branchlets that release a pleasant, spicy fragrance when crushed.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during first 2-3 years. Reduce watering in mature trees; prefers drier conditions than many conifers

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years for ornamental maturity; 20-30 years for full height

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury stem collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy loam to rocky soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Organic compost for structure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5b-9a, with best performance in zones 6-8

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling/Young transplant

First year after planting

Small plant with tender, bright green foliage and fragile branching structure

Protect from strong winds and frost. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use tree guards if needed. Avoid transplanting shock by hardening off before planting

Establishment

2-3 years

Plant develops deeper root system and gains height; branching becomes more defined and sturdy

Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches

Vegetative growth

Years 3-10+

Tree develops its characteristic columnar shape with dense, aromatic foliage and strong branch structure

Minimal pruning needed; this species naturally forms an attractive form. Remove lower branches if desired for clearance. Avoid heavy pruning which can cause bare spots

Cone production

Begins around 10-15 years; continues indefinitely

Mature tree produces small, elongated cones (about 1 inch long) with a distinctive appearance. Cones ripen from green to reddish-brown

No special care needed. Cones are ornamental but not harvested for most purposes. Self-seeds readily if conditions are suitable

Full maturity

20+ years and beyond

Large, columnar tree reaching 40-60+ feet with thick trunk and abundant aromatic foliage

Minimal care required beyond occasional pruning for structure or safety. Monitor for pests and diseases. Very long-lived, often 200+ years in natural conditions

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Douglas-fir Ponderosa pine White fir Manzanita Ceanothus Madrone

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (allelopathic effects) Plants requiring constantly moist soil

Common Pests

Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and care. Remove heavily infested branches. Usually only affects stressed trees
Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation. Avoid wounding the tree. Prune out infected wood if detected
Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season or early spring. Usually minor issue on healthy trees
Improve growing conditions and water management. Remove affected branches. Sterilize pruning tools between cuts

Uses

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Aromatic wood and fragrant foliage

Household

The wood and foliage of Incense Cedar produce a distinctive, pleasant spicy-sweet fragrance used in fine woodworking, pencil manufacturing, and incense production. Fresh or dried branches can be used in home fragrance applications. [source]

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Woodworking and construction

Craft

The wood is highly valued for its fine grain, color, and decay resistance, making it ideal for high-end lumber, decorative items, and outdoor structures. [source]

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Wildlife habitat and food

Wildlife

The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small mammals, while the cones provide seeds for wildlife. The tree is an important component of western forest ecosystems. [source]

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Ornamental landscape specimen

Household

The narrow, columnar form makes it an excellent choice for creating vertical interest in landscapes, screening views, or serving as a tall accent plant. Its persistent green foliage provides year-round structure. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

In traditional medicine, the aromatic wood and foliage have been used in steam inhalation and aromatherapy, though scientific evidence for specific health benefits is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Incense Cedar is not harvested in home gardens. Commercially, the aromatic wood is harvested for lumber, pencils, and incense products. If desired for fragrant branches or foliage, prunings can be harvested year-round; cut branches release the strongest fragrance when dried

Fun Facts

🌱 Incense Cedar's Latin name, Calocedrus, means 'beautiful cedar,' though it is actually not a true cedar but rather a member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae)
🌱 The wood is so aromatic and naturally rot-resistant that it has been used for over 100 years to manufacture the pencil slats that hold pencil lead; a single tree can yield thousands of pencils
🌱 This tree can live for over 500 years in its native habitat and is native only to California and southern Oregon, making it one of the most regionally endemic conifers in North America

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