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Description
Juniperus Virginiana Var. Silicicola, commonly known as Southern Red Cedar, is a tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is an evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The bark is reddish-brown and exfoliates in thin strips, revealing a grayish-brown inner bark. The leaves are scale-like, 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, and arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of three.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
Appearance
Southern Red Cedar has a conical shape with a broad base and narrow crown. It has reddish-brown bark that exfoliates in long, thin strips. The leaves are scale-like, 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, and arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of three. The cones are small, about 1/4 inch in diameter, and blue-black when ripe. The tree produces male and female cones on separate branches.
Care Guide
Southern Red Cedar is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types. It does not require regular fertilization, but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring. Water the tree deeply once a week during the first year, and then as needed. Southern Red Cedar is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Southern Red Cedar is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and bagworms. Spider mites can be controlled with a strong blast of water, while scale insects and bagworms can be removed by hand. Southern Red Cedar can also be affected by cedar-apple rust, a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves. The disease can be controlled with fungicides.
Habitat
Southern Red Cedar is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including dry upland forests, savannas, and coastal plains. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and is often found growing on rocky outcrops. It is an important tree for wildlife, providing cover and food for a variety of species.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Southern Red Cedar grow?
A: Southern Red Cedar is a slow-growing tree, typically growing less than a foot per year.
Q: Can Southern Red Cedar be grown in a container?
A: Southern Red Cedar can be grown in a large container, but it will eventually outgrow it and need to be transplanted into the ground.
Q: Is Southern Red Cedar poisonous to humans or pets?
A: Southern Red Cedar is not poisonous, but it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Q: Can Southern Red Cedar be used for woodworking?
A: Southern Red Cedar is a popular wood for woodworking due to its durability, resistance to rot and insects, and pleasant aroma.
Related Plants
- Juniperus Virginiana
- Juniperus Chinensis
- Juniperus Sabina
- Juniperus Communis
References
- “Juniperus Virginiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285749&isprofile=0&basic=Juniperus%20virginiana. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
- “Juniperus Virginiana var. silicicola.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUVIS. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
- “Southern Red Cedar.” NC State Extension, 5 Jan. 2021, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southern-red-cedar. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
