Eastern Red Cedar

This Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is surrounded by other massive Eastern Red Cedars and is located off the trail. While this tree is located off the trail, it is totally doable to hike down to and is amazing to see surrounded by other cedars, pines, and hemlocks! It is worth the hike down to see the cluster of evergreens!

Eastern Red Cedars can grow to 90 feet. Much like the Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), they have sexual dimorphism. Females have pale blue fruits while males do not.

These cedars grow in sun, part shade, and shade. In addition, they are tolerant to cold and heat, but prefer dry soil. Their soil preference is unique to most species on the trail!