Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

Basic Information:
The eastern red cedar is actually a part of the juniper family. The genus for cedar is cedrus, and this tree is juniperus. They can grow 40-50 ft tall. The bark has a somewhat smooth feeling, and it is very peeling. This tree is often used for ornamental purposes. As shrubs they are not very tall at 10-20 ft tall. The trunks go straight up for about 20 ft and then branches turn away in a pyramidal shape. The berries are blue-ish grey and are often eaten by birds, so this is a very widespread tree. Grows in eastern to central North America and grows abundantly in zones 2-9.

Uses:
The red wood is sometimes used to make red dye. The powdered leaves can be used to treat warts. In different ways, the eastern red cedar can be used to treat arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, debility, dropsy, rashes, rheumatism, and skin ailments. A mixture of the leaves and twigs can be boiled and inhaled as a treatment for bronchitis. A boiled concoction of the bark can be used to treat skin rashes. Infusing the berries and wild ginger can be a treatment for asthma.The leaves can be used for, believe it or not, helping the urination process. Burning the leaves and inhaling the smoke can aid against colds.

Good bye for now!

Sources:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Juniperus_virginiana.html
http://www.gpnc.org/eastern.htm