plant · GBIF taxon 2684391
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginianaAlso known as Virginian Juniper, Eastern Juniper, Red Juniper, Pencil Cedar
Eastern red cedars are hardy, aromatic evergreens that rapidly colonize abandoned pastures and disturbed soils, acting as vital pioneer trees. Their dense, prickly foliage provides crucial winter shelter for songbirds, while their rot-resistant, fragrant red heartwood is highly prized for chests and fence posts. During late autumn, female trees produce abundant powdery-blue, berry-like cones that sustain wildlife through the coldest months.
EvergreenAromaticPioneer Species
- diet
- Sunlight and Soil Nutrients
- family
- Cupressaceae
- threats
- Wildfires and Cedar-Apple Rust
- life Span
- 100 to 300 years
LC
Cones are toxic to pets, and wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification.
- Identify by Aroma: Crush the scale-like needles to release a sharp, clean, gin-like scent.
- Spot the Galls: Look for bizarre, orange, gelatinous galls in spring, which indicate cedar-apple rust.
- Check the Bark: Observe the reddish-brown bark that shreds off in long, fibrous strips on mature trees.