incense cedar

American  

[in-sens see-der] / ˈɪn sɛns ˌsi dər /

noun

1. a tree of the cypress family’s genus Calocedrus, especially C. decurrens California incense cedar of western North America, which may grow to more than 190 feet (58 meters) in height.

2. the aromatic, close-grained wood of this tree, used to make pencils, chests, closet linings, etc.

3. Chilean cedar.

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Etymology

Origin of incense cedar

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

A canopy of Jeffrey pine, red fir and incense cedar shaded the trail.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2025

The remainder were sugar pine, noble fir, red fir, incense cedar, western red cedar, mountain hemlock and western hemlock.

From Science Daily • Dec. 28, 2023

“Fortunately, there are many alternative tree species, including Oregon white oak, incense cedar and Chinese pistache, that might be more heat and drought resistant than ash.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2022

Mr. Kelly, in nearby Crescent Mills, described the area as “majestic,” with thick Douglas fir, incense cedar and ponderosa pine forests that stretch from the valley floor to Alpine peaks.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2021

The shadows were lengthening and it was drawing on toward evening, when the Ranger halted beside a little ravine, densely wooded with yellow pine, incense cedar, and white fir.

From The Boy With the U. S. Foresters by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis