The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: incense-cedar, California incense-cedar

Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)

Synonym: Libocedrus decurrens

Distribution: w. North America

Habitat: Montane forests; 300--2800 m

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Evergreen tree

Comments: A native evergreen growing with a columnar habit 30-50' tall but only 10' wide. Glossy foliage is pleasantly aromatic when crushed and also during warm weather. The flattened, fan-like sprays are often used for holiday greens and peeling and reddish brown colored bark is also rather attractive. This species has been growing at The Dawes Arboretum since 1987 and has withstood -27F. It is also drought and heat resistant once established. Good used as a screen, vertical accent, specimen.