Eastern Redcedar (also known as Red Juniper, Virginian Juniper, or Pencil Cedar)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Pinophyta, Class: Pinopsida, Order: Pinales, Family: Cupressaceae, Genus: Juniperus, Species: J. virginiana · Cupressaceae (Cypress family) · Specialized (scale-like and needle-like leaves), evergreen
Species
Juniperus virginiana
Leaf Type
Specialized (scale-like and needle-like leaves), evergreen
Family
Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
Shape
Scale-like leaves closely overlapping on the twigs, mixed with occasional needle-like juvenile leaves
Size
Individual scale leaves are tiny, about 1-2 mm long; the displayed twig branchlet system is approximately 4-6 inches across, typical for pressed herbarium specimens
Margin
Entire (smooth edges on individual scales)
Arrangement
Opposite or in whorls of three on rounded to four-sided branchlets
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green coloration, sometimes taking on a bronze or purplish-brown hue in winter; typical of pressed herbarium specimens
Venation Pattern
Parallel or obscure due to the minute, overlapping scale-like structure
Texture & Surface
Leathery to touch when fresh, drying to a somewhat papery texture in herbarium conditions; upper and lower surfaces are closely pressed to the twig
Description
An evergreen conifer featuring dense, aromatic foliage with reddish-brown fibrous bark on mature trunks. It produces small, berry-like blue cones covered in a whitish waxy bloom. The growth habit is typically pyramidal or columnar when young, becoming more spreading and irregular with age.
Key Features
Reddish-brown fibrous bark, dimorphic foliage (scale-like on adult branches and needle-like on young shoots), aromatic wood, and small blue-gray berry-like cones
Habitat
Thrives in dry, rocky soils, abandoned fields, and open pastures; highly adaptable to various soil types including limestone and clay, preferring full sun exposure
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains
Condition Notes
Well-preserved herbarium specimen taped to a paper card, showing good structural integrity and retention of green coloration; overall health grade is Good for a preserved sample
Interesting Facts
The aromatic wood is traditionally used for making cedar chests and pencils, hence the name pencil cedar. The 'berries' are actually modified seed cones consumed heavily by migratory birds, which play a major role in seed dispersal
Medicinal & Uses
Wood is highly rot-resistant and used for fence posts, outdoor construction, and cedar chests due to its insect-repellent properties. Historically used in folk medicine, though concentrated oils can be toxic
Ecological Role
Provides crucial winter cover and nesting sites for numerous bird species such as cedar waxwings and bluebirds. Acts as an early pioneer species in abandoned agricultural lands
Similar Species
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) which is a low-growing shrub rather than an upright tree, and Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) found further west
Foraging Tips
Look for conical evergreen trees in old fields or along fence rows. The distinctive cedar aroma when crushed is a reliable field identifier. Foliage and blue cones can be gathered year-round
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to touch, but the foliage and essential oils can be moderately toxic if ingested in large quantities, particularly to livestock or pregnant animals due to volatile compounds like thujone