Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Plantae>Coniferophyta>Pinopsida>Pinales>Cupressaceae>Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola (Small) J. Silba

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

A common small tree of sand dunes and brackish marshes of the outer Coastal Plain. Very similar to the familiar Eastern Redcedar (J. v. var. virginiana), differing in habitat and a few subtle details. The shape is the easiest thing to spot -- Southern Redcedar is more rounded and sprawling, unlike the typical columnar form of Eastern Redcedar.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

The fleshy cones on Southern Redcedar are smaller than those of Eastern Redcedar (3-4 mm long vs. 4-7 mm long), the terminal twigs are slightly narrower, and the scale leaves are slightly shorter, but these difference are all very subtle.

Dare Co., NC 11/2/05.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

The fleshy cones are green in the spring, turning bluish with maturity, and have a white coating. Scale-like leaves are found on slow-growing shoots.

There is debate about whether Southern Redcedar is better recognized as a variety of Eastern Redcedar or as a full species, Juniperus silicicola (Small) Bailey

Pea Island NWR, Dare Co., NC 11/2/05.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Carteret Co., NC 9/28/08.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

The bark shreds off in long, thin, fibrous strips.

Dare Co., NC 11/2/05.

Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

Typical habitat in the sand dunes. The stunted tree on the left is Southern Redcedar; on the right is a wind-shaped Yaupon.

Dare Co., NC 11/11/06.

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides