CALOCEDRUS decurrens ‘Berrima Gold’ (yellow California incense cedar)

This is a conifer really different from the others. The CALOCEDRUS decurrens ‘Berrima Gold’ (yellow California incense cedar) turns into a real sun in the garden when its light yellow shoots appear. In summer, its foliage remains intense yellow. Then, in winter, its foliage turns orange-yellow. In addition, it grows slowly and develops in a columnar shape. As a result, this magnificent conifer occupies a relatively small area. The specimen in the photo below is in its twenties and about 2.5 meters tall.

How to grow CALOCEDRUS decurrens ‘Berrima Gold’

Plant CALOCEDRUS decurrens ‘Berrima Gold’ in full sun. It can be considered as an easy plant to grow, since it supports any type of soil and any pH. Moreover, this yellow California incense cedar easily resists temperatures below – 20 °C. Given its relatively small footprint, it is suitable for both small and large gardens.
With all these qualities, this plant will appeal to both novice and connoisseur gardeners.

History and Origin

LIBOCEDRUS decurrens is a synonym for CALOCEDRUS decurrens.

If the type species can reach dizzying heights of 30 to 40 meters, the CALOCEDRUS decurrens ‘Berrima Gold’ grows much slower and reaches a much more moderate height. The largest specimen of the type species is found in California in Siskiyou County with a proud height of 47.98 meters and a spread of only 17.5 meters. Some specimens live up to 500 years.

Furthermore, the natural habitat is mainly found in the United States of America and extends from the central south-west of Oregon through California to the extreme west of Nevada.

The California incense cedar has similarities with SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum.

With its very thick bark, CALOCEDRUS decurrens is one of the most resistant plants to fires and periods of drought.

During the winter, the California incense cedar constitutes a reserve of food for the birds.

Then, its soft and light wood diffuses a pleasant perfume. It is generally rot resistant. For this, it was used in cladding and for interior wood panels. In addition, it was used for the production of pencils because it can be easily blunted without forming splinters.

Finally, this wonderful conifer has been awarded a Garden Merit by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) in the United Kingdom.