Red Cedar

( Juniperus virginiana )

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Pictures - Red Cedar tree, leaf & twigs

Family - Cupressaceae

Natural Habitat - Hammocks, Shell mounds

Planting Zones - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Description -  Fast growing medium sized conifer, Red Cedar is a fine textured evergreen tree to 40-50 feet tall with a dense canopy, bark is thin, reddish-brown. Young trees especially have a pyramidal or Christmas tree shape.

The aromatic wood of Red Cedar has long been used for closet linings & chests to repel insects.

Red cedar wood is resistant to rot & has been used for fence posts and other structures where this attribute is required.

Landscape Use -  As a screen or windbreak plant 15' O.C., specimen or accent tree, street tree, Christmas tree.

Culture - Propagation is by seed, full sun to partial shade, tolerates a range of soil textures & pH as long as it is well drained. Red cedar cannot take continuously wet soil. Highly drought and salt tolerant.