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Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3D Image

Common Name: Eastern Red Cedar
Species Name: Juniperus virginiana
Plant Type: Woody
Family Name: Cupressaceae

 
Plant Facts
Origin North America
Duration Perennial
Sun Preference Full sun
Susceptibility Cedar-apple rust, bagworm
Distribution in the U.S. Eastern half and west to the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas
Distribution in Oklahoma Throughout the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics
    • Pyramidal growth form
    • Evergreen; scale-like leaves
    • Bark reddish brown; shredding in long thin strips
    • Light blue cones that look like small berries
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Plant Height: 20-foot diameter, 60-foot height
    • Leaves: Juvenile awl-shaped; mature scale-like, 1/16 inches long, distinct odor, bronze-red in winter
    • Leaf Type: Simple
    • Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
    • Leaf Blade Edge: Scale-like
    • Leaf Blade Length: 1-2 millimeters
    • Growth form: Trees
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: 0
    • Flower Timing: Pollination: April-May
    • Fruit Type: Cones
   
Habitat/Ecology
Soil PreferenceWell-drained, deep loam, adapted to many soil conditions
HabitatRocky, dry, uplands and swampy bottomlands
USDA Cold Hardiness Zone
Successional StageAll
NotesConsidered a weed in much of Oklahoma; would not be as
prevalent if it were not for fire suppression