Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), also called red juniper or savin, is a common coniferous species growing on a variety of sites throughout the eastern half of the United States. Although eastern redcedar is generally not considered to be an important commercial species, its wood is highly valued because of its beauty, durability, and workability. The number of trees and volume of eastern redcedar are increasing throughout most of its range. It provides cedarwood oil for fragrance compounds, food and shelter for wildlife, and protective vegetation for fragile soils.
Introduction to the Eastern Red Cedar:
Eastern red cedar is not a true cedar. It is a juniper and the most widely distributed native conifer in the eastern United States. Redcedar (red and cedar can be spelled together or separate) is found in every state east of the 100th meridian. This hardy tree is considered a "pioneer" tree species and often among the first trees to occupy cleared areas where it's seeds are spread by cedar waxwings and other birds that enjoy the fleshy, bluish seed cones. Fence lines attract the birds and red cedar trees become the new wild "hedge".
The Eastern Red Cedar Tree Range:
Eastern red cedar is a conifer and species of juniper native to the eastern North America. The red cedar range extends from southeastern Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico. To the west, native red cedar tree range only occurs east of the Great Plains but has been successfully spread toward the west by natural regeneration from planted trees.
The Hardy Eastern Red Cedar:
The dense but attractive foliage growth makes Eastern Redcedar a favorite for windbreaks, screens, and wildlife-cover for large yards and landscapes. Red cedar's high salt-tolerance makes it ideal for seaside locations. Still, it is not recommended as a street tree where winter roads are salted because it can obstruct the view of traffic. Redcedar makes a nice Christmas tree, and the fragrant wood is popular for repelling insects.
Identification of Eastern Red Cedar:
The evergreen red cedar is a small to medium tree that rarely exceeds 50 feet in height. Redcedar is single-trunked and the only native juniper that is upright and columnar. The bark has shedding thin strips, the seed cones are berry-like and glaucous (blueish), the leaves are scale-like and pressed tightly against twigs.
The cache is a waterproof hook-n-latch plastic container with camo tape. Please be careful when opening. These hooks can be fragile, and if broken, will not seal the container properly when closed. It contains the log book, a pencil and a few very small trade items. Please don't place anything large.
There is a small black bison tube, complete with fresh new log for the FTF to do with as they wish.
Congrats to Dan & Mae for the FTF!
Information on the correct tree species updated 1/3/13. I do not know if the hornets nest is still there all this time later. If someone who happens to be in the area can let me know, I will take away the warning
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