Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red-cedar,Red Cedar, Eastern Juniper, Red Juniper, Pencil Cedar) is a species of juniper native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains. Despite its name it is not actually a cedar. In Vermont, this species occurs in warmer parts of the state, often in abandoned fields, especially where sheep had grazed in the past. It also occurs as the dominant tree species in the Redcedar Woodland natural community, which is rare in Vermont and occurs on cliff rims and ledges.
Redcedar can be distinguished by its scaly 'leaves' and its berries, which are actually fleshy cones. Unlike white cedar, the scaly leaves are not flattened.
Temperature preference | warm valleys/south slopes |
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Leaves | scales |
Habitat moisture | dry |