The Eastern Redcedar - Juniperus virginiana is a medium sized columnar tree, reaching heights of 40-60 feet tall when mature. It is not a true Cedar but is a member of the Juniper Juniperus family . The crown is thick and conical in shape and is filled with blue-green prickly, scale-like foliage. Young trees have small, sharply upturned branches that help to form the conical shape of the crown. When very old the tree will begin to have an irregular shaped crown. Large specimens often become fluted at the base. The slender twigs are covered with aromatic green, scale -like leaves, running opposite in four rows. The fruits are soft and dark blue berries with a white bloom, they contain one or two seeds.
Image Citation (Mature): Jason Sharman, Vitalitree, Bugwood.org
Image Citation (Heartwood): David Stephens, Bugwood.org
They grow naturally in uplands and fence/hedgerows in most of the Eastern United States. They are also commonly planted in more formal landscapes as an ornamentals. Eastern Red Cedar lumber has been used traditionally for aromatic lumber products such as Cedar "Hope" Chests and closet lining. The oils of the Eastern Redcedar are also extracted and used in many applications. The heartwood from the Eastern Redcedar is pink and considered to be somewhat brittle but very rot resistant. Many species of bird feed on the berries, the birds digestive system break down the fruits hard coating and when eliminated by the bird the seeds are able to germinate and grow new seeds. Eastern Redcedar can be found growing throughout the eastern United States.
Image Citation: Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org
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