Calocedrus decurrens 

• Characteristics:
  Incense Cedars appear more bushy and less pyrimidal than most conifers. The leaves of this species are decussate and scale-like and occur in flat sprays.
  

  ---

• Scales:
  Notice that the internodes of the scales are longer that they are wide, giving the appearance of a champagne glass. The leaves of this species have no stomatal bloom (compare with Western Red Cedar).
  

  ---

• Bark:
  The bark of the Incense Cedar is quite distinctive due to its fibrous almost stringy texture. It is also quite often a rust red on the inside and weathers to a greyish brown on the outside.
  

  ---

• Cones:The cones of the Incense Cedar are easy to identify as they have three distinct cone scales. The scales are hard and woody. Note: this picture depicts the cones after they have opened however they can be seen while still closed.
  

  ---

  Terms to Know 
  Back to Main Page 
  Coniferous Species 
  Broadleaf Species