Juniperus virginiana
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Photo: Herman, D.E., et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook (no copyright) |
Britton & Brown |
| Botanical name: | Juniperus virginiana |
| Common name: | eastern red cedar |
| Group: | gymnosperm |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Growth type: | tree |
| Duration: | perennial, evergreen |
| Origin: | native |
| Plant height: | 25-50’ |
| Bloom Period: | late spring |
| Fruit: | summer - fall; bluish white, berry-like seed cones |
| Range in New Jersey: | statewide |
| Heritage ranking, if any: | n/a |
| Distribution: |  |
| Misc. | Readily distinguished from other conifers by its dimorphic (scales, needles) leaves and blue berry-like cones. Native along the coast; inland populations are usually indicative of previous homesteads or other past disturbance. Wood used to make chests and small objects intended to protect clothes from insect damage Many birds consume the berries or seed cone of eastern red cedar. The aromatic quality of the wood discourages moths and it has long been used to line closets and boxes. Its durability in soil makes it suitable for fence posts. The heartwood is utilized for wooden pencils. |
| Credit: USDA United States Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service data base |
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