Juniperus virginiana

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Juniperus virginiana
EASTERN RED-CEDAR
Cupressaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates K-7 (west of Conwell Hall, east side of Retention Pond), N 39°11'13'' W 75°32'46''

Planting history: planted November 2010. Source: Donated by Octoraro Native Plant Nursery (via Dr. S. Yost).

Description:
  • evergreen tree
  • etymology; Juniperus = the Latin name; virginiana = of Virginia
  • common name is misleading; this is a juniper (Juniperus) and not a true cedar (Cedrus), but wood is similarly aromatic and good for repelling moths
  • immature leaves awl/needle-like; mature foliage scale-like
  • usually dioecious (separate male and female plants)
  • modified cones berry-like; bluish waxy coating (glaucous), hard, 0.2”-0.3” diameter; important food for birds, especially the aptly named cedar-waxwing
  • wood light, brittle; durable, used for fenceposts, chests, and formerly the primary wood for pencils
  • slow-growing; lives to 200-350 years
  • pioneer, shade-intolerant tree, typical of old-field succession; widespread geographic distribution

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)

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