Eastern Red Cedar

Cedar Red trees flatten out as they mature, becoming scaley and blue green. Female Eastern Red Cedar produce a blue juniper berry that cedar waxwing birds love!

Description

Eastern Red cedar trees are native in the United States from Maine down through Florida. Red Cedar seedlings will grow in barren areas that other trees struggle to survive. Commonly found in pastures as cows won’t eat the pokey needles. From damp areas to dry rocky ground, the red cedar is able to grow. They do not do well in really swampy areas. When grown in their favored conditions, moist soil and full sun, they will mature at 30-40′ tall. If grown in a more barren area they may never grow larger than a shrub. It can be difficult to transplant but once established it grows easily. Maybe try White cedar or scotch pine

If you are ever driving on I-75 through Kentucky, look for cedars growing off the limestone cliffs.

As a seedling the needles are pointed and somewhat sharp. When the tree matures, they flatten out, becoming scaly and blueish green. Female trees produce a blueish juniper berry (cone) that cedar waxwing birds love! Male trees will have cones that produce quite a bit of pollen. Perfect trees for privacy barriers, wind blocks, specimen trees and in some warmer areas of the country they are grown for Christmas trees. The wood from these trees is rot and insect resistant. It has been used for building homes and making chests or wardrobes that repel insects.