A burned, sometimes smoldering, Incense Cedar tree is one of the few places the Cedar Wood Wasp, lays its eggs. This insect is the only living species of its family, making it a ‘living fossil.’
Cedar is commonly used for building and fencing materials. Because the wood is pliable for gripping and resists splintering, it may be best known for its use in pencils.
Hearty, drought tolerant, and accepting of shade and sun, the tree grows at a wide variety of elevations.
Native Americans used Incense Cedar for hunting bows, fire making, baskets, brooms, shelter building, and for ceremonial and healing purposes.
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Resources:
Calflora – Calocedrus decurrens
CalPoly – Incense Cedar Tree Detail
Hansen’s Northwest Native Plant Database
Pacific Northwest, Pest Management – Cedar, Incense Broom Rust
Native American Cedar Mythology
USDA – Calocedrus decurrens
