Eastern red cedar

Description:

A gymnosperm with scale-like needles. Called a cedar, this tree is a member of genus Juniperus and is closely related to other junipers. The species is dioecious, having separate male and female trees. The pollen-producing cones (pictured) give male trees a brownish cast while present. The grayish female cones have the appearance of berries but are not true fruit. Eastern red cedars are prized for their wood.

Habitat:

Eastern red cedars require a lot of sunlight and will grow in fields and edges of woods. They are one of the earlier trees present as a field undergoes ecological succession toward the climax community of an oak-hickory forest common in central Virginia. Dead trees that have been overshadowed by taller trees can be found in many Virginia forests.