Eastern Redcedar - (Juniperus virginiana)

Geography:

Sometimes called red juniper or aromatic red cedar, eastern red cedar is one of the more widely distributed conifers in the United States. It can be found from Maine to Florida and from Minnesota to Texas. The species even occurs naturally in southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada.

The wide natural distribution of eastern red cedar demonstrates its ability to grow in a range of conditions. Like most species, it grows best on deep, moist, well-drained alluvial soils, but can be found on soils ranging from rocky outcrops to near-swamps.

In Oklahoma, eastern red cedar can be found growing naturally throughout the state, except in the Panhandle region. Other related junipers, such as oneseed juniper, Ashe juniper, redberry juniper and Rocky Mountain Juniper can also be found in limited numbers in Oklahoma.

Biology:

Eastern red cedar has scale-like leaves rather than needles. Its bark appears somewhat reddish brown and often is easily removed from the trunk in strips.

Redcedar is classified as dioecious, meaning that usually there are separate male and female trees. Pollen is produced by male trees in early spring. Female trees develop pale, blue green cones that mature in late summer to fall. Seeds are commonly disseminated by birds.

Wood:

Redcedar wood demonstrates a distinct contrast between the almost-white sapwood and the red to brown heartwood. The wood is considered mid-weight weighing about 33 pounds per cubic foot when air-dried. It is a relatively strong wood with overall strength considered as approximately 80 percent that of white oak.

Redcedar has a fine grain, but a soft texture and works easily with hand or power tools. The wood is highly stable with respect to changes in moisture content.

Both the wood and the leaves contain an oil which has a pleasant, unmistakable aroma.

Uses:

Red cedar is a very versatile wood which works well for cedar chests, closet linings, exterior trim, house siding, jewelry boxes, cabinetry, carvings, turnings, aromatic shavings, boat trim, and for waferboard or oriented strand board.

Red cedar oil is highly prized for such uses as cosmetics and medicinal products.

Reference:

Burns, Russell M., and Barbara H. Honkala, tech. coords. 1990. Silvics of North America: 1. Conifers; 2. Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC. vol.2, 877 p.

Eastern Redcedar - (Juniperus virginiana)