Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana
(Red Juniper)

The eastern redcedar is native to thirty-seven states. It is really a juniper, and its small bluish juniper berries are food for birds and are used in flavoring gin. Look at the labels on the gin bottles at the liquor store for pictures of these berries. In addition to food, the dense evergreen provides sheltered nesting sites for birds. Under the shreddy bark, the wood is a beautiful redwith a fragrant aroma. As much as we love the smell, moths and insects hate it so we make cedar chests for storage of our woolens. We also use redcedars as Christmas trees and in making pencils. Railroad companies used to cultivate the trees for railroad ties.