Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Specialized evergreen needles and scales
Shape
Dimorphic foliage consisting of both awl-shaped needles and tightly appressed scale-like leaves
Margin
Entire (smooth edges on scale leaves)
Arrangement
Opposite pairs or whorls of three
Venation
Parallel or obscure venation typical of conifers
Key Features
Dimorphic foliage showing both scale-like and needle-like leaves, shredding reddish-brown bark, aromatic wood, and small fleshy blue-gray cones
Description
Eastern Red Cedar is a hardy, dense evergreen conifer featuring reddish-brown fibrous bark that peels in long strips. It has a pyramidal to columnar growth habit when young, broadening with age. The foliage is strongly aromatic when crushed, and the tree produces small, fleshy, blue-gray berry-like cones that resemble tiny blueberries.
Habitat
Thrives in varied conditions from dry rocky ridges and limestone glades to abandoned pastures and disturbed soils; highly adaptable and drought-resistant
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, spanning from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains