AROMATIC RED CEDAR also Eastern Juniper, Eastern Red, Pencil Cedar
Distribution
Red Cedar is native to the eastern half of the United States, from Maine west to New York, Quebec, Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Texas east through Florida and Georgia.
The Tree
Eastern red cedar has the widest distribution of any other conifer in the eastern United States. It can reach heights of 120 feet and 4 feet in diameter. It is a "pioneer" species, being one of the first trees to invade disturbed areas. It grows very slowly, trees that are 20 years old are only about 20 feet tall with a diameter of 3 inches. Older trees have wide, fluted, buttressed bases.
The Wood
General: Eastern red cedar has a thin, white sapwood, while the heartwood is red to deep reddish-brown. The sapwood may be in stripes, alternating with stripes of heartwood. The wood is moderately low in strength and stiffness, but it is high in shock resistance. It shrinks little during drying and is good dimensional stability. It is easy to work and has moderate hardness. It splits easily, and has good nailing and gluing properties.
Working Properties: Eastern red cedar is easy to work with both hand and machine tools and has a straight grain. It has tight knots, which can add to the beauty of the wood. It splits easily, hold nails well and has excellent gluing properties.
Durability: The heartwood is highly resistant to decay and attack by insects, including termites. The scent of the wood is said to be a natural insect repellent, although this has not been shown to be true scientifically
Uses: Fence posts, chests, wardrobes, closet linings, pencils, carvings, pet bedding, furniture, flooring, scientific instruments, small boats and household items. Oil from the wood (cedrol) is used in the manufacture of perfumes and medicines. It is also used for Christmas trees.