eastern redcedar
Juniperus virginiana

Eastern redcedar is a common conifer growing on a wide variety of sites across a broad range of eastern and central states. It is valued for its wood quality and its ability to provide wildlife with food and cover. Eastern redcedar is also useful as a soil stabilizer and a wind-break.

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Light Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      Eastern redcedar is used for cedar-scented closets and chests, fenceposts, lumber, poles, boats, paneling, pencils, and cedarwood oil, a fragrant extract.
Wildlife Value
      The dense habit of eastern redcedar provides birds and deer with good cover. Fruits are eaten by many different species of birds and mammals.
          Attracts: waxwings, bobwhite, quail, ruffed grouse, pheasant, turkey, rabbit, fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, coyote
Regeneration methods
      This species is not commonly regenerated. Methods that provide an abundance of light, such as clearcuts and seed-trees will work, especially on lower quality sites. Growth can be accelerated by competition control and thinning.
Important Problems Early Detection tips
cedar-apple gall (alternate host) orange, jelly-like fingered balls in spring
Fun facts
The berries of Juniperus 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.
Juniperus Latin name from "junio" (young) and "parere" (to produce) - evergreen. virginiana of Virginia.
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2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.

questions, comments, and criticisms: email John.Peterson@vt.edu