Eastern red-cedar is indigenous to North America and can be found flourishing on the barrier islands of North Florida. These resilient, adaptable evergreens are especially well-suited to the island’s landscape, proving their mettle in areas that are dry, alkaline, or wind-swept. Their foliage, comprising scale-like needles, adds an attractive, albeit prickly, texture to the local scenery.
During the late summer and fall, many of these junipers showcase blue-green, berry-like fruits. These fruits, which are actually modified cones, are a local attraction for various bird species inhabiting the North Florida barrier islands. Given their remarkable salt tolerance, Eastern red-cedars are ideal for planting near roads, driveways, and sidewalks, making them a prevalent choice for landscaping in this coastal region.
Though typically grown as a tree, the Eastern red-cedar also has shrub-sized cultivars. These native trees significantly contributes to the ecological balance of our island.
PHOTOS
Juniperus virginiana scrub, Washburn Island, East Falmouth, Massachusetts
Putneypics on Flickr, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juniperus_virginiana_Washburn_Island.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_redcedar_(Juniperus_virginiana)_(1).jpg
Humoyun Mehridinov, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons