Npn-plant

eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

  • This is part of Allergy Agents
  • When to observe: Year-round
  • What to observe: Pollen cones and Seed cones
  • Where to observe:
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Eastern redcedar is a USA-NPN calibration plant species. Calibration species have broad distributions and are ecologically or economically important. The NPN integrates observations on calibration species to get "the big picture" of plant responses to climate across the nation. In addition, this species is an allergen. Observations on its phenology will provide valuable information to benefit people with allergies and the public health community.
Eastern redcedar is an evergreen, conifer shrub to tree growing 30 to 70 feet tall. Male and female cones occur on separate trees. The small male cones bear pollen, and the slightly larger female cones become berry-like in maturity. This species is wind-pollinated. Eastern redcedar occurs on a wide range of soils and in many growing conditions, from swamps to dry, rocky glades. It can tolerate soils ranging from acid sands to those derived from limestone.
You should observe...
Here are the phenophases you should observe about this plant.
Pollen cones Pollen cones

One or more fresh male pollen cones (strobili) are visible on the plant. Cones have overlapping scales that are initially tightly closed, then spread apart to open the cone and release pollen. Do not include wilted or dried cones that have released all of their pollen but remain on the plant.
Open pollen cones

One or more open fresh male pollen cones (strobili) are visible on the plant. Cones are considered "open" when the scales have spread apart to release pollen. Do not include wilted or dried cones that have released all of their pollen but remain on the plant.
Pollen release

One or more male cones (strobili) on the plant release pollen when gently shaken or blown.
Seed cones Unripe seed cones

One or more unripe female seed cones are visible on the plant.

Ripe seed cones

One or more ripe female seed cones are visible on the plant.

Recent seed cone drop

One or more mature seed cones or seeds have dropped or been removed from the plant since your last visit. Do not include obviously immature seed cones that have dropped before ripening, such as in a heavy rain or wind.
Juniperus virginiana provides food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals, including winter food for pheasant, mule deer, and whitetail deer.

Gardens with this plant

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