Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

Weed Description
A perennial tree that commonly occurs along fencerows and in unmaintained pastures. Eastern redcedars can easily measure 30-40 feet in height and female eastern redcedars contain many blue berries that attract birds.

Leaves
Eastern redcedar leaves are scale or awl-like in appearance and margins are serrated or toothed. Leaves are green all year, prickly to the touch, and measure 1/16" in width.

Flowers
Eastern redcedars has flowers that occur on separate plants; female flowers are green while male flowers are yellowish-brown in color.

Roots
Deep penetrating taproot with fibrous roots extending outward.

Identifying Characteristics
Small linear leaves measuring 1/16" wide with serrated or toothed edges. Mature Eastern redcedars are capable of growing 30-40 feet in height and have a distinct odor when leaves are rubbed together. These plants commonly occur along fencerows where birds rest and defecate previously consumed seeds.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

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University of Missouri

Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

Trouble identifying a weed?