California Incense-Cedar
ExplorePlants
California Incense-Cedar
calocedrus decurrens
The California Incense-Cedar is a tall tree with fragrant wood that smells wonderful! It has beautiful, soft, green needles that are perfect for making nature crafts!
Habitat: California's mountainous regions, particularly in mixed conifer forests.
Appearance
The California Incense-Cedar is a tall, slender conifer with a distinctive narrow, columnar crown. It has flattened, scale-like leaves arranged in sprays, which are bright green to yellowish-green. Its reddish-brown bark is deeply furrowed and peels in long, vertical strips, giving it a unique textured look.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyCupressaceaeGenusCalocedrus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
11
Interesting facts
It is the only living species in its genus, a true botanical survivor!
Its wood gives off a spicy-sweet aroma, making it prized for cedar chests!
Native American tribes traditionally used parts of this tree for medicine.
The tiny cones open like a duck's bill, releasing winged seeds!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Shield Bark
California Incense-Cedar has thick, fibrous bark that protects its inner tissues, helping it survive some wildfires.
Ability
Deep Drinker Roots
California Incense-Cedar can access deep water sources with its extensive root system, allowing it to withstand long dry periods.
Ability
Rot-Proof Wood
California Incense-Cedar has highly rot-resistant heartwood, which helps the tree stay strong and healthy for centuries.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 3000-6000 cm
- Spread
- 300-600 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Western Gray Squirrel
Sciurus griseus
collects and caches its winged seeds
eats
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
forages for seeds from its cones
shelters
Spotted Owl
Strix occidentalis
nests in cavities of large, old trees
shelters
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
uses dense stands for cover
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
CalocedrusIncense CedarWestern Cedar
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify California Incense-Cedar?
The easiest way to identify California Incense-Cedar is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is California Incense-Cedar?
3000-6000 cm
How wide does California Incense-Cedar spread?
300-600 cm
When does California Incense-Cedar bloom?
Spring
Is California Incense-Cedar edible?
No
Is California Incense-Cedar toxic?
None
What is California Incense-Cedar's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is California Incense-Cedar pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Aug 1, 2023
Sun Pass State Foresti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 10, 2023
Sun Pass State Foresti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Dec 27, 2022
Alder Creek Grovei
Photo attribution
(c) Ike Ikemori, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park36 sightings50 species
California, US
Alder Creek Grove
You might spot Sequoia, California Newt, and Pacific Dogwood.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Atwell Mill Grove
You might spot Sequoia, Mountain Misery, and Black Bear.
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Park28 sightings12 species
California, US
Black Mountain Grove
You might spot Sequoia, California Incense-Cedar, and White Fir.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Columbia State Historic Park
You might spot California Scrub-Jay and Acorn Woodpecker.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Empire Mine State Historic Park
You might spot Yellow Star-Tulip and Mountain Misery.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Long Meadow Grove
You might spot Sequoia, Mountain Misery, and Snowplant.
View guide →
