Juniperus virginiana aka Eastern Red Cedar
Taxonomy
Juniperus virginiana, also known as eastern redcedar, red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, and other local names, is a dense slow-growing coniferous evergreen tree native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains. It may never become more than a bush on poor soil, but is ordinarily from 5–20 m or 16–66 ft tall, with a short trunk 30–100 cm or 12–39 inches in diameter and may grow up to 30 to 40 feet tall. Its scale-like, closely oppressed, glandular leaves and small, light blue-green clusters of flowers make it stand out in its environment, and its heartwood is light brown and aromatic, contrasted by the white sapwood which is commonly used for cedar chests, fence posts and rails. Further west it is replaced by the related Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper) and to the southwest by Juniperus ashei (Ashe juniper) and its pioneer species properties make it suitable for repopulating cleared, eroded, or otherwise damaged land.
Common names
Eastern Red Cedar, Virginia Juniper, Red CedarHow to care for Eastern Red Cedar
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Eastern Red Cedar is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Eastern Red Cedar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Eastern Red Cedar loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Eastern Red Cedar requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Virginia Juniper is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Eastern Red Cedar to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Eastern Red Cedar is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Eastern Red Cedar. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Eastern Red Cedar is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Eastern Red Cedar’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Juniperus Genus
Juniperus recurva Drooping Juniper
Juniperus cedrus Canary Islands Juniper
Juniperus thurifera Incense Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Juniper
Juniperus excelsa Crimean Juniper
Juniperus foetidissima Stinking Juniper
Juniperus californica California Juniper
Juniperus drupacea Andys
Juniperus pinchotii Copper Berry Juniper
