Accession Count: 5
Common Name:
eastern red cedar
Family Name:
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name:
Juniperus virginiana
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Jun vir
Geographic Origin:
Eastern North America
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The eastern red cedar is a native to Eastern North America (1). It can be found anywhere from the tip of Quebec to Florida and as far east as Texas (2). Most trees will be seen growing in limestone covered areas, on highways, and even large wooded areas (1, 3). The trees not only provide shade but also a food source through their fruit to many birds and mammals (1). The fruit act like a transportation device for the seeds inside which then are dispersed by the animals that enjoy them (1).
Cultivation Notes:
Each cone or fruit on the tree contains seeds which can then be extracted by running the fruit through a macerator to soften the fruit (2). Once the seeds have been softened in a sulfuric acid mixture they can be planted anywhere from late spring to fall depending on the environment (1,2). This tree is, however, susceptible to a disease known as cedar-apple rust. This causes the tree to develop large spots and can be potentially dangerous to the trees around it (2).
Ethnobotany:
The Blackfeet made a tea from the berries of the red cedar to stop vomiting or use it as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism (1,3)
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
ForeSummer
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
