Etymology: Calocedrus comes from Greek word, callos, "nice", because of its resinous character, and of word kedros (Latin cedrus), because of its resemblance to the cedar. Origin: North America, China, Burma. Introduced into Europe in 1853. Hardiness: zone 6 (it supports cold until -23 °C or -9 °F). Lifespan: 1000 years. Height: 50 m in its original area (the highest known is 70 m tall). Fibrous, thick, brown-red bark, resembling that of the Giant sequoia. Shape: dovecote, irregular.
Persistent foliage, composed of scales with decurrent base, staggered on ramified stems, flat, fan-shaped, rather like the arborvitae and the libocedrus leaves. For a long time, incense-cedar and libocedrus were merged. Leaves smell nice resin when they are crumpled.
Fruits in elliptical cones of 2 cm, at maturity after one year, becoming brown-yellow, persistent on the tree one year, until the scales open.
Use: the clear wood is easy to work and appreciated by the sculptors.
Where to see it in Paris: garden of Champs-Élysées, behind the theatre Marigny.