Red Cedar

Red Cedar tree

Nyla Martin
used with permission

 

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The red cedar plant belongs to the cypress family, which includes cone-bearing trees or shrubs with opposite or whorled leaves. This native plant typically grows from 30 ft. to 40 ft. tall, but may grow up to 90 ft. tall. Their trunks are often angled and buttressed at the base and narrow. Sometimes they can be broad and irregular. Colors of the leaves vary between different shades of green and grayish blue, but all leaves tend to turn brown in the winter. The seed cones are typically black/brownish blue. The seed cones are often referred to as berries, although that is technically incorrect. The seeds are a food source for many kinds of wildlife.