How much sun does California incense-cedar need?

California incense-cedar grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California incense-cedar bloom?

California incense-cedar blooms in March and April.

Where is California incense-cedar native?

California incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

California incense-cedar

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Calocedrus decurrens

Last reviewed: October 2026

California incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is a perennial tree native to CA, OR. It blooms in March and April.

Toxicity unknown

California incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

480"–900" H × 180"–300" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

CA, OR

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A tall, narrow evergreen conifer with aromatic, scale-like foliage arranged in flattened sprays and reddish-brown fibrous bark. It grows into a dense, columnar form over many decades in mixed forests.

Growing California incense-cedar

Grow California incense-cedar in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 900 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its dense evergreen cover offers year-round shelter and nesting sites for birds, and the small cones provide seed for squirrels.

Common questions

How much sun does California incense-cedar need?: California incense-cedar grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California incense-cedar bloom?: California incense-cedar blooms in March and April.
Where is California incense-cedar native?: California incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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