×  Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Family: Rose (Rosaceae)

Common Names: Red Ce­dar, Aro­ma­tic Ce­dar, Aro­ma­tic Red Ce­dar, Red jun­i­per, Sa­vin.

The eastern red ce­dar is not a true ce­dar (genus Ce­drus), it is actually a variety of juniper and a member of the cypress family.

It occurs naturally as an upright tree with many small branches, curving sharply upward. It can reach a height of 30 feet and width of 15 feet when found in the open. The foliage is bright green to dark green.

The sapwood is white or light brown. The heartwood is red, ranging from red-brown to red-purple. The wood of the red ce­dar is fragrant and is used extensively for the manufacture of aromatic oil and furniture — primarily closet linings and panels.

The wood has a natural resistance to rot and insect infestation, and for that reason is often used locally as fence posts. We can find no evidence of use a roofing shakes or shingles, or exterior trim boards; although the wood seems ideal for those uses.

Aro­ma­tic Red Ce­dar is ea­sy to work, notwithstanding ma­ny knots and irregularities pre­sent in the wood.

It has a high silica content, that can quickly dull cut­ters.

The wood glues and finishes well, though in many applications, it is left unfinished to preserve its aromatic properties.

The wood is prized for ce­dar chests, ce­dar shavings, small carvings, pencils, non-rotting fence posts, outdoor furniture, birdhouses and as wood for bows and decks.

Cedar is frequently used as closet paneling and to build closet shelving and organizer modules.