Eastern Red Cedar

Basic Landscape Attributes

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History of
the Tree Species

Dates back to aboriginal America -- once covered large swaths of the continent
Arthur Barlowe and Philip Amadus took note of the tree in 1564 upon arrival at Roanoke Island
Wood often used for furniture and fences -- became a stable of the pencil industry until replaced by western cedars

Full sun
Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moisty, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, and clay soils
Can withstand occasional flooding
Tolerates drought well

Waxy, light blue berries are eaten by wildlife but also edible for humans in moderation -- difficult to distinguish from other toxic junipers
Berries were traditionally used as a Native American flavoring and medicine
Berries take three years to mature and are ready to pick after turning darker blue
Berries associated with birth control, used for coughs, joint pain, flatulence, skin issues, hair loss, and more
Used as a fragrance for soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics
Essential oils can be used as insect repellant

Location on tree on Shelby Ave: