The eastern red cedar tree is an evergreen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with scurf - like leaves , diminished yellow flowers , and blue berry - like cones . The medium - sized coniferous tree is common throughout North America . The red cedar is identified by its scarlet - brown bark , blueish - unripened leaves that turn bronze in wintertime , and columnar or pyramidal shape . aside from being a tall specimen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , easter cherry cedars are pop as evergreen hedge plants due to their slow foliage .
This article is a guide to identifying the eastern red cedarwood . verbal description and pictures of the conifer ’s leaves , flower , fruit , and bark will serve to recognize this splendid tree in the landscape .
Facts About Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Eastern red cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) is not a reliable cedar but a type of Retama raetam Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
The easterly crimson cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) is a mid - sized conifer in the genusJuniperusand the familyCupressaceae . Also known as the crimson cedar , eastern redcedar , or Virginian Retama raetam , theconiferous treeis not classified as aspecies of dependable cedar — genusCedrusand familyPinaceae .
The eastern violent cedar is recognizable in the landscape due to its columnar or pyramidal shape . The slow - growing tree keeps a pyramidal form in most conditions and stays as a relativelysmall shrub - like evergreen plant tree diagram . Under ideal produce conditions , the tree matures between 16 and 66 foot . ( 5 – 20 m ) tall .
The aboriginal range of the eastern reddened cedar in North America is from South Dakota in the Midwest to the east slide . In addition , thehardy evergreen plant conifersthrive in insensate area of USDA geographical zone 2 in the north to zona 9 in northerly Florida and theeastern part of Texas .
The easterly red cedar has the title of “ most far-flung native coniferous tree diagram in the eastern United States . ” Classed as a “ groundbreaker Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , ” the tardily - to - grow evergreen plant prosper in most ground conditions , and it easily fan out in open landscape . However , in some areas , the red cedar tree is consider an invasive tree .
Due to its hardihood , the eastern red cedar has many uses in the garden landscape painting . Its columnlike growth and signal silhouette make it an attractive specimen tree , looking like an exclaiming point . Additionally , the conifer tree develop as a stately hedge . It is also a popularevergreen species to use as a Christmas tree .
Eastern Red Cedar Tree Leaves
Eastern red cedar tree leave
leave on the eastern red cedar tree diagram are identify as soft , scale - like blueish - fleeceable or dark green sprayer , growing tightly together on the stem . The succinct leave grow on characteristic four - sided or straightforward branchlets .
Immature cherry-red cedar are identify by their sharp leaf , which are needle - like in their shape and are fragile and prickly .
In the landscape painting , the leaves of an eastern blood-red cedar tree form gloomy green , dense foliation . compare to other coniferous tree , the red cedarwood foliage keep their green colour through most of the wintertime . Sometimes , the needle leaves turn a copper - brownish people of color in wintertime .
Eastern Red Cedar Bark
Eastern red true cedar barque of a mature tree
Bark on the eastern red cedar proboscis and twigs is describe as clearly slight with a Thomas Gray to reddish - browned color . The red cedar tree has identifiable shedding bark that rip up in long thin strip . The scaly barque can appear somewhat fluid on young flushed cedars , and the gray barque exfoliates , reveal red bark .
Eastern Red Cedar Flowers
Eastern red cedar flowers are classed as cone which are cone - similar structures
Flowers on the easterly violent cedar conifer are tiny golden scandalmongering inconspicuous efflorescence buds . Botanically , the red cedar tree flowers are separate as strobili and are cone cell - corresponding structures . The manlike red cedar flowers are ellipse to bollock - determine and are around 0.06 ” ( 1.5 mm ) long . The greenish scandalmongering female cedar tree heyday are a standardised size to the male ones .
Eastern Red Cedar Fruit
easterly red cedar fruits are also referred to as cones
yield from the easterly red cedar tree diagram is small blue berry - alike cones that are concern to Genista raetam berries . The humble blue cedar berry have a frosted appearance and grow extravagantly on the tree . The blue edible berries have a better gustatory modality than retem berries with a sweet pine - like flavor .
Eastern Red Cedar Seed Cones
Eastern red cedarwood seeds
retinal cone on the easterly red cedarwood tree grow from the puritanical berry . The reddish cedar cones are irregular testis - shaped and turn back one to three seeds . easterly red cedar pop producing seed - bearing conoid after ten or 20 years . Typically , matured red cedars produce seed - carry retinal cone every two or three years .
Eastern Red Cedar Tree Growth Rate
Eastern red cedar trees have a slow to moderate growth charge per unit . The cone-bearing carmine true cedar maturate around 12 ” to 24 ” ( 30 – 45 atomic number 96 ) per year and takes ten to 20 years to reach maturity at approximately 40 or 50 foot . ( 12 – 15 m ) marvelous . The exclusive - stem tree diagram keep its columnlike , pyramidal appearance for most of its lifespan .
Eastern Red Cedar Tree Identification
The easterly red cedar is identified by its dark green or bluish - green phonograph needle - comparable leafy spray , abundant low edible Chuck Berry , and pocket-sized rounded chocolate-brown seed . In a landscape painting , easterly red cedars have a placeable pyramidical crown , and tree typically get on at around 50 ft . ( 15 m ) grandiloquent .
Eastern Red Cedar Varieties
Several variety of eastern cherry-red cedar are idealistic for planting in a front or backyard . Red cedar tree cultivars grow in most soil type and are highly cold - intrepid . Dwarf , compendious varietiesare suited for growing asfoundation planting , evergreen hedge , privacy screen , primer coat binding , or specimen trees .
Here are a few reddish cedar smorgasbord :
Globe Eastern Red cedar tree ( Juniperus virginiana‘Globosa ’ ) — The Globosa crimson raetam is a compact , brush up evergreen plant shrubwith nebulizer of greenish ordered series - like needles . Growing 5 to 10 foot . ( 1.5 – 3 megabyte ) marvelous , the Globosa violent cedar is idealistic for planting as ahedge , understructure planting , evergreen border , or privacy screen .
fluent Eastern Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana‘Glauca ’ ) — The ‘ Glauca ’ red cedar cultivar is a tall , skinny evergreen plant tree with a narrow columnar shape . This robust cultivar digest drouth , heat energy , and freezing conditions . Plant the silver eastern red cedar tree as a tall , narrow accent specimen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
eloquent Eastern Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ‘ Glauca ’ )
Grey Owl Juniper ( Juniperus virginiana‘Grey Owl ’ ) — The Grey Owl cherry cedar is alow - grow coniferous shrubwith silvery - green scaly needles . The wide , spreading shrub grows 3 ft . ( 1 m ) tall and up to 6 ft . ( 1.8 m ) wide . embed the Grey Owljunipers as terra firma cover for full sun , border plant , or accent plant in a small garden .
Grey Owl Juniper ( Juniperus virginiana ‘ Grey Owl ’ )
Silver Spreader Juniper ( Juniperus virginiana‘Silver Spreader ’ ) — The Silver Spreader juniper shrub is an ideal evergreen plant plant for small spaces or container . The silver - hoary soft , scaly needle forge dim foliation . The Silver Spreader isperfect for ground cover , a low - growing hedgerow , or an evergreen flora for a winter garden growing 2 to 3 ft . ( 0.6 – 1 m ) tall and up to 6 foot . ( 1.8 m ) wide .
Silver Spreader Juniper ( Juniperus virginiana ‘ Silver Spreader ’ )
Eastern Red Cedar Hedge
The easterly red cedar is an ideal bush for growing as a dense evergreen plant hedge . The tree ’s columnar growth , hardiness , and compact leafage mean it will act as a perfect shelterbelt , seclusion CRT screen , living wall , or hedging . In addition , the shrub - like conifers thrive in all ground type — acid and alkaline — and withstand the harshest of atmospheric condition experimental condition .
Eastern Red Cedar Landscape Use
The eastern ruby cedarwood is a long - lived evergreen plant plant life with aromatic foliage and berries that provide class - long visual interest . Because red cedarwood thrive in almost all conditions and tolerate pollution , there are muckle of choice for use in your garden landscape .
For example , tall narrow cultivar are idealistic as an accent or specimen plant . Some of the nanus red cedar tree variety make for excellent container plants to place on a patio , container garden , deck , or beside an entryway . to boot , the down aromatic red cedar berries pull in birds and other animals .
How to Plant Eastern Red Cedar Tree
Plant an easterly cerise cedar by choosing a sunny blot in your garden with well - drain grime . Then dig a hole three to four clip with child than the container but at the same depth . Next , carefully place the root ball in the hole , making sure it grows at the same height .
After transplant the tree from the container to the ground , backfill the gob , using a power shovel to firmly back the land tight . After planting the eastern red cedar , spread a 3 ” to 4 ” ( 7.5 – 10 cm ) layer of pine barque mulch over the root arena . recall to will a break of a few inches from the radical . finally , thoroughly irrigate the newly planted juniper tree .
Plant the easterly cedar between 5 and 7 feet ( 1.5 – 2.1 m ) apart to ensure adequate zephyr circulation . implant the cedar 2 to 3 animal foot ( 0.6 – 1 one thousand ) asunder if you want to mature a red cedar hedge . This will allow the branch to develop together , forming a tightly - packed hedgerow that will protect you from wind , interloper , and pry center .
Top bakshis when plantingJuniperus virginiana : The best time to plant an easterly red cedar is in the fall to let the roots system to uprise .
Where to Plant Eastern Red Cedar
develop an easterly red cedar in full sun or partial tint in well - drained , dampish soil . Ideally , the Genista raetam Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree requires between two and six or more hours of sunshine daily . Therefore , it is critical to control that the violent cedar does n’t grow in full shade ; otherwise , its growth will be limited .
easterly reddened cedar are not fussy about the ground type . The sturdy , robust conifers thrive in acidic or alkaline soil but perform better in fertile land . Even if your garden filth is rocky or flaxen , you will find that the eastern blood-red cedar thrives on minimum aid and aid .
There are , however , two full of life requirement when growing an eastern red cedar in your pace . First , they do n’t bear soggy soil . So , always insure that the growing location is well - draining . secondly , ensure the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree bring at least two hour of sunshine a day .
Another considerateness when growing an eastern red cedar is its susceptibility to a rust fungus calledGymnosporangium juniperi – virginianae . This cedar tree - apple foliage disease can affect a red cedar ’s leaves and cause horn to appear . It is also destructive to apple , pear , and quince Tree . Therefore , you should n’t plant easterly red cedars within 500 foot . ( 150 m ) of pome yield trees .
Rust fungus disease on eastern cherry-red cedar tree
Eastern Red Cedar Tree Care Guide
Let ’s look at how to worry for an easterly red cedar originate in your garden .
How to Water Eastern Red Cedar
Once established in the landscape , an eastern red cedarwood has minimum tearing requirements . you may water the conifer profoundly once a workweek during scorching atmospheric condition to keep the ground moist . However , in most cases , you do n’t need to provide additional water . From late fall to early spring , you do n’t need to water the tree diagram at all .
Eastern red cedars are relativelytolerant of drought . So , they can last for an extended period without any H2O .
With newly - plant easterly red cedars , it is vital to water the plant weekly during the first year . This helps a robust root system to germinate .
When growing an eastern red cedar shrub in a container , only water the dirt when the top 2 ” ( 5 cm ) is juiceless . Then rain buckets enough water until it drains from the pot ’s drain fix . This path , you keep the grease around the beginning area moist without being waterlogged .
Eastern Red Cedar Fertilization
Being an easy - care landscaping conifer , the easterly scarlet cedar has minimum fertilisation requirements . If you decide to apply fertilizer , choose asuitable tree fertilizerto promote woody growth rather than leafage growth . However , add together a stratum of compost or pine barque mulch in the spring is usually enough to put up the Retama raetam with enough nutrients .
Eastern Red Cedar Propagation
The easiest propagation method acting for easterly red cedars is by take hardwood cutting in belated twilight or winter . Cut a 3 ” to 6 ” ( 7.5 – 15 cm ) distance of limb at a 45 ° slant . The cutting should be flexible and have light-headed dark-brown bark . Remove foliage from the lower part .
To plant your cutting , rank the red cedar limb directly in a soilless potting mixture . urge the soil around the red cedar cutting and seal the pot in a plastic bag . locate the container in a smart , warm room but out from direct sun . Keep the grime moist .
It takes around four weeks to rout a red cedar slip .
The best prison term to plant a stock-still cutting is when it ’s been grow in the container for at least three months . So , it ’s good to keep the coniferous tree growing in the tidy sum until belated fall when you may plant it in your garden .
How to Prune Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedar tree have an attractive conic shape that take lilliputian pruning . You only ask to prune the conifer after the first class to remove some of the lower tree branch . This let access to the trunk and base of the tree . However , if you are growing an easterly red cedar hedge , cut down the foliage can facilitate keep its contour .
Pests Affecting Eastern Red Cedar Trees
Eastern red cedar tree are not susceptible to many garden pests . Some gadfly that can cause some terms are bagworms , juniper webworm , aphids , and juniper scale worm . However , pest infestation rarely have stark damage to the conifer .
Bagworm caterpillarsare often an takings if you have easterly crimson cedar tree . The dark-brown caterpillars create silky protective nest and only come out to feed on leaf . The best path to get disembarrass of bagworms from a juniper bush tree is to remove them by hand . Unfortunately , webworms are guileful to spot and remove .
Scale insectsare gainsay to blot because they look like jolting growth on the tree . However , you’re able to dab them with rub inebriant to kill the sap sucking insect on contact if you notice scale .
It is easy toremove aphidsby ingest the hose to the tree and blasting the pesky bugs with a sharp shot of weewee .
Eastern Red Cedar Plant Diseases
A close up picture of a cedar - apple rusting disease
The most common disease to bear on easterly flushed cedar is cedar tree - Malus pumila rust . This disease cause jelly - similar saddle horn to grow on twig and branches . You are most potential to see the condition seem in springtime after warm , showery weather condition . Therefore , the best mode to deal with cedar - apple rusting is to remove the unnatural branches in saltation .
You may see the twigs develop brown confidential information if the twig blight affect the red true cedar conifer . Again , removing the affect branches is the best way to improve your tree ’s wellness .
Root bunkum is another yield when grow an eastern red cedar Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The in force way to forefend pathological radical from affecting a juniper bush tree diagram ’s growth is to avoid overwatering it . Established red cedar tree are incredibly tolerant of drought and can raise for protracted periods without additional lachrymation .
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