Leaves
Scale like leaves arranged in 4 ranks closely pressed and overlapping about 1/16" long. Fruit: berry-like cones appearing in spring and maturing in the fall. (See illustration below).
Bark
Thin, fibrous, light reddish brown Separating into long narrow fringed
Habitat
Open grown pioneer often invading abandoned fields (left). Old, large trees often found in cemeteries (above). Redcedar thrives on limestone based soils
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Eastern Redcedar
(Juniperous virginiana)
Eastern Red Cedar
Clarke County Champion
Previous featured tree of the piedmont - the White Oak
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General
Eastern redcedar is a common, small conifer growing on a wide variety of sites. It is valued for its wood quality and its ability to provide wildlife with food and cover. Eastern redcedar is also valuable as a soil stabilizer and wind-break
Timber Values
Used for cedar-scented closets and chests, fenceposts, poles. Boats, paneling and pencils
Wildlife Values
Provides birds and deer with good cover. Fruits are eaten by different birds and mammals.
Attracts: waxwings, bobwhite, quail, grouse, pheasant and turkey.
Fun Facts
- The berries of Juniperous species are used to provide gin with its characteristic flavor.
- Cedar chests and lined closets prevent moth damage to wool clothing because the volatile cedar oil is a natural insecticide.
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