

How to identify Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)
Incense cedar is a conifer characterized by a broadly conical shape and spreading branches reaching up to impressive heights. Its distinctive bark, gray-brown and exfoliating, adds texture to the tree's appearance. The foliage is arranged in dense, fan-like sprays at the end of flattened branchlets. When the dark green leaves are crushed, they release a notable aromatic scent. This tree features two types of cones: the male cones exhibit a yellow hue, whereas the female cones are cylindrical, with 6 paired scales that appear pointed. These female cones, evocative of a duck's bill upon opening in the fall, mature later in the season at higher altitudes.
Dense foliage in fan-like sprays at branch ends
Female cones with 6 paired scales, resembling duck bills
Distinctive reddish-brown, woody fruit cones with 4 seeds
Shiny, dark green scale-like leaves, smooth and veinless
Thick, furrowed bark that exfoliates into narrow strips
The leaves of incense cedar are arranged in flattened, vertical sprays, displaying a shiny, dark green color that persists through winter. The scale-like leaves are overlapping, tightly packed, and each typically measures about 0.08 to 0.12 inches (2 to 3 mm) in length. These leaves are smooth to the touch and devoid of noticeable veins, forming a dense, lush foliage characteristic of the species. Their rich, glossy appearance, combined with a consistent green tint, aids in identifying incense cedar.
The flowers of incense cedar are actually reproductive cones rather than traditional flowers. The male cones are small, yellow-brown, and cylindrical, measuring about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. The female cones are slightly larger, around 0.75 inches (2 cm) long, with a woody appearance and overlapping scales. Blooming typically occurs in late fall to early winter, with no noticeable scent. The unique structure and arrangement of the cones help in easy identification of incense cedar.
The fruit of incense cedar are distinctive, small cones that carry up to 4 seeds. These cones exhibit an elongated, duck bill-shaped appearance. When ripe in the fall, they take on a reddish-brown hue that stand out against the foliage. The woody texture of the cones endures through winter, as they persist on the tree until spring, making them identifiable year-round. Each cone typically measures approximately 0.8 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) in length, serving as a unique identifier for incense cedar.
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Scientific Classification of Incense cedar