Leaf Identification
The Eastern Red Cedar has two types of leaves that often occur on the same tree. The more common leaves are scale-like and are arranged in opposite decussate pairs (opposite pairs rotate 90 degrees after every pair). They rarely form in whorls of three or four. The second are more needle-like and are usually only found on young trees and fast growing shoots. Both are dark green to blue-green and stay attached all year. They can turn a bronzy-green color in winter.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig of the Eastern Red Cedar starts out green and matures to grayish-brown. The buds are not easily visible in this species.
Bark Identification
The bark of the Eastern Red Cedar is reddish-brown, fiborous, and peels off in narrow strips.
Cone Identification
The Eastern Red Cedar is typically dioecious. The staminate cones are small, rounded, orangish, and appear at the end of twigs. Ovulate cones are yellowish-tan to blue-green scales at branch tips, little more than 1/16 inch long. The cone is blue and berry-like.
