Search Level: Standard
Search Term(s): Juniperus virginiana   (1 record found)

CUPRESSACEAE
Cypress Family
Juniperus virginiana  (eastern red cedar)   
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Synonym
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Carex Section
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Meaning of Scientific Name
Juniperus: from the Latin juniperus, classic name for the genus; virginiana: of or from Virginia (U.S.)
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Tree
Phenology (Flowering Period)
April
Physiographic Province
☑ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain

County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☑ Kent
☑ Sussex

Habitat
Old fields, edges, open woodlands, abandoned ground, sterile soils
State Status
Common
Piedmont Status
Common
Coastal Plain Status
Common
Global Rank
--
Federal Status
--
Geographic Affinity
--
Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
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Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Invasive
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Invasive Watchlist
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Global Origin (Non-native Species)
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Wildlife Values
Host plant for Callophrys niphon (Eastern Pine Elfin Butterfly) and Mitoura grynea (Olive Hairstreak Butterfly), and the juniper berry is an important winter food source for many bird species, such as the cedar waxwing.
Medicinal Properties
Parts used: Chips, Volatile Oil. Chips internally used as a tea for upper respiratory tract inflammation with thick mucus, genitourinary infections, rheumatism, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Chips used to make a topical ointment for minor skin inflammation, scabies, genital warts, and as an insect repellant against moths. Oil is a counter-irritant and rubefacient, used topically in ointment or linament form for neuralgic and rheumatic symptoms. Caution: not for use during pregnancy or lactation.
ID Notes
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Additional Info
Species is dioecious.
Habitats in which this plant occurs
Beach and Dune Habitats (Shrublands)
Beach and Dune Habitats (Forests and Woodlands)
Early Successional Herbaceous Upland Habitats (Piedmont Native Grassland)
Early Successional Shrub/Brush Upland Habitats (Piedmont Old Field)
Early Successional Shrub/Brush Upland Habitats (Coastal Plain Old Field)
Serpentine Grasslands
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