Eastern red cedar

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virgiana)

Description

An evergreen tree, Juniperus virginiana, native to eastern North America. Eastern red cedar contains an aromatic, volatile oil that makes it resistant to rotting and repulsive to insects. It has dark reddish brown heartwood and whitish sapwood. The medium strength timber was extensively used for pencils, fence posts, and cabinets. It was also cut in thin sheets for use as veneer. The eastern red cedar is now scarce and rarely used.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Juniperus virginiana; cèdre de Virginie (Fr.); zimbro-da-Virgínia (Port.); pencil cedar; red cedar; southern red cedar; red juniper

Authority

• Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Eastern Red Cedar." Encyclopædia Britannica. 18 Aug. 2004 .