Alligator Juniper Incense Wood — Juniperus deppeana

Alligator Juniper Incense Wood — Juniperus deppeana

Rich, dry, and sweet, this aromatic southern Arizona heartwood is gathered and hand-split by us for gentle heating and incense appreciation.

Wild-gathered in southern Arizona

We gather naturally dead alligator juniper in the mountains of southern Arizona, around 6,000 feet in elevation, and hand-split the wood to reveal its fragrant heartwood. Pieces vary in size and shape, expect approximately 8–10 pieces per ounce.

How to gently heat juniper wood

Place a small piece on a mica plate above incense charcoal. Start with generous distance between the plate and charcoal, then adjust gradually to warm the wood without charring it. Use a heat-resistant bowl and surface, provide ventilation, and never leave hot charcoal or heated incense unattended.

Can also be used over a flame, and allowed to burn for a few seconds, then blown or waved out, and the resulting white smoke smudged and spread around.

Origin: Southern Arizona, USA
Botanical name: Juniperus deppeana
Plant part: Heartwood
Preparation: Hand-gathered and hand-split

See our Hawaiian sandalwood and Ecuadorian Palo Santo for other aromatic woods.