Plant of the Month: February, 2000

Characteristics: Eastern red cedar is a small to medium-sized aromatic evergreen tree. Typically, the trunk is straight and the tree has a pointed, dense, conical crown that may be varied or irregular, depending on ecotype or competing vegetation. The bark is thin, fibrous, and reddish brown. The leaves are paired or opposite and scalelike. Leaf tips end in a narrow, sharp point, sometimes sharp enough to cause discomfort if handled without gloves. The fruit, or cone, is berrylike and dark blue. Eastern red cedar can grow on a variety of soils.

Area of Importance: Throughout most of Oklahoma and Texas.

Attributes: Many species of birds eat eastern red cedar fruit, and the tree provides cover for many other wildlife species. The wood resists decay and makes good house siding, cabinets, flooring, carvings, decorative fencing, and furniture, among other things. The evergreen works well in shelterbelts and visual screens. Oil from the leaves and wood is a component in medicine and perfumes.

Problems: Largely because of fire suppression, eastern red cedar has become invasive in Oklahoma and Texas rangelands. In many areas, suburban residences and natural resources including water and air, wildlife habitat, plants, animals, forage production, and ecological diversity are threatened by eastern red cedar's encroachment. Its spread can be controlled by proper grazing management and carefully planned prescribed burns. Pollen produced in early spring can trigger allergic reactions.

ID Tip: Because it is an evergreen, eastern red cedar is most noticeable during winter. Look for sharp pointed leaf tips.

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Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.