Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Forest, Grassland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

An aromatic evergreen often referred to as a “Red Juniper.” It has a narrow, compact crown, a trunk that is often angled, dark green foliage, and small blue “berries” that are actually round cones with one or two seeds inside. Resistant to extremes of drought, heat, and cold, the Eastern Red Cedar is the most widely distributed eastern conifer. The aromatic wood is used for fence posts, cedar chests, cabinets, and carvings, and was almost exclusively the source of wood for pencils at one time. The Eastern Red Cedar is grown for Christmas trees, and the juicy berries are eaten by many kinds of wildlife. Height: 40-60’ Spread: 20-30’

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Juniperus
Species: Juniperus virginiana

Scientific Name

Juniperus virginiana

Common Name

Eastern Red Cedar
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Evergreen
Flowering Season
March-May

Ecological Role

Eastern red cedar is a pioneer species, meaning that it is one of the first trees to repopulate disturbed sites. Outside of its native range it is considered an invasive species. Its berries are an important source of food for birds in winter and is a favorite of Cedar Waxwings.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Habitat Types

Forest
Grassland

Geographic Distribution

Native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains.

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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