Incense Cedar
Calocedrus decurrens
Incense cedar's aromatic, scale-like foliage and narrow, pointed columnar form make it stand out in mixed-conifer forests. Its soft, fine-grained wood has long been the standard choice for pencil manufacturing worldwide.
Where found
Dry mixed-conifer forests of southern Oregon and the Cascade and Sierra ranges.
Fun facts
- Most wooden pencils in the world are made from incense cedar wood.
- Crushed foliage releases a strong, spicy incense-like fragrance.
- Older trees often develop a distinctively narrow, flame-shaped crown.
Specs
| Height | 25–45 m (up to 60 m) |
|---|---|
| Spread | 4–8 m |
| Lifespan | 300–500 yrs |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Native Range | Southern Oregon to Baja California, western Nevada |
