Red cedar

Red cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Common Name:

Red cedar

Scientific Name:

Juniperus virginiana


Alternative common names:

Rooiseder, Seder, Rooi of potlood (Afrikaans)

Description:

Evergreen, coniferous tree 10-18 m high, crow greyish- green, initially conical, later with horizontal, spreading branches, bark grey to reddish-brown, peeling off in long strip. Leaves: adult leaves scale-like, overlapping, acute, juvenile leaves needle like in opposite pairs. Male and Female cones usually on separate trees, Female cones are berry-like. Flowers: males are small, yellow-brown, occurring in large groups; females are light blue-green.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Eastern North America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA - Category 3

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State and Eastern Cape Provinces

How does it spread?

Birds eat the Juniper berry which disperses the wingless seeds.

Why is it a problem?

Invades grassland, riverbanks and rocky outcrops. Leaves are toxic to livestock and can cause skin irritation

What does it look like?

Leaves: adult leaves scale-like, overlapping, acute, juvenile leaves needle like in opposite pairs

Flowers: Flowers: males are small, yellow-brown, occurring in large groups; females are light blue-green.

Fruit/seeds: Cone, male and female cones usually on separate trees, female cones berry-like, indehiscent, dark blue with bluish grey bloom to 6 mm

Does the plant have any uses?

Shelter, shade and ornament

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