Southern Red Cedar

Juniperus silicicola

You may be surprised to learn that the southern red cedar is not, in fact, a cedar at all. In reality, it is a part of the hardy juniper family.

Though these “cedars” are tough at heart, they’re soft in appearance, with feathery emerald green foliage that remains a lush green year-round. Sometimes referred to as the coast juniper, southern red cedar are tolerant of salt, drought, and wind. They prefer well-drained, sandy soils, which is just what we have here at Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

The berries of this tree are a favorite winter food for birds. This tree is used, one way or another, by about 50 different bird species.

If you take a little piece of leaf and rub it between your palms, it will produce a strong smell. How would you describe the smeill? What does it remind you of?

If it reminds you a little bit of insect repellant, it should. An oil derived from the wood and leaves of this tree is used to make insect repellant, and because of that repelling property, the wood from this tree is popular for lining chests and closets because it has a refreshing fragrance, and repels moths that could eat linens and clothing.

* Thanks to Fred Nation for some of the information in this Blog!