Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a native evergreen tree commonly found in eastern and central North America. It is known for its tall and upright growth habit, reaching heights of 40 to 90 feet with a spread of 8 to 20 feet. The tree has a conical shape when young and develops a more irregular and broad crown with age. The foliage of the Eastern Red Cedar consists of scale-like leaves that are dark green in color. The tree is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female trees, and produces small berry-like cones that mature to bluish-purple color on female trees. Eastern Red Cedar is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including dry, rocky, and poor soils. It is also tolerant of drought and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The tree is often valued for its durability, attractive form, and ability to provide wildlife habitat. It is commonly used in landscaping for windbreaks, hedges, privacy screens, and as a specimen tree. Additionally, the aromatic wood of Eastern Red Cedar is highly resistant to decay, making it popular for use in outdoor furniture, fence posts, and cedar chests.