A native conifer that's actually a juniper. Aggressive colonizer of abandoned fields and grasslands.

Also called: Eastern Red Cedar, Pencil Cedar

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 5–20 m
Lifespan100–300 years
OrderCupressales
FamilyCupressaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Juniperus virginiana, also known as eastern red cedar, red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, and other local names, is a species of juniper native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains. Farther west it is replaced by the related Juniperus scopulorum and to the southwest by Juniperus ashei. It is not to be confused with Thuja occidentalis.

Source: Wikipedia — Juniperus virginiana Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small to medium evergreen tree; reddish-brown peeling bark; scaly needle-like leaves; bluish-purple "berries" (technically cones).

Similar species. Other Juniperus species. True cedars (Cedrus; not US native).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Native juniper widely distributed across eastern North America. Important wildlife food; berries eaten by 50+ bird species. Wood used historically for fence posts (rot-resistant) and pencils.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Open habitats, fence lines, rocky areas

§ Threats

Fire suppression has allowed invasive expansion.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern red cedar is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Use prescribed fire to maintain natural communities.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center