Discovering His Creation: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

There are about 3 Eastern Red Cedars growing in our yard. They are large now but I can remember when they first began to grow. The one in the front yard grows next to a Sweet Gum tree and for some reason it was never pulled up. At one time we would decorate it with lights for Christmas. Now it's too big to try that. Some Eastern Red Cedars are grown and used for Christmas trees. It is native to and can be found throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. It was first observed in Roanoke Island, Virginia in 1564. The colonists used it for building furniture, cabins and fences. Birds and small animals eat the tiny blue fruit. They look like berries but they are cones and indicates the female tree. The Eastern Red Cedar is not considered a true cedar either but is in fact a member of the Juniper family. It can grow to a height of 40 or 50 feet. The oldest Eastern Red Cedar is in Missouri and is said to be 795 years old ! In 2012 it became the state Evergreen tree for Tennessee. Native Americans used the berries in cooking and medicinally. It's still used in herbal medicine as a tea sometimes to treat coughs, respiratory conditions, bronchitis and as a antispasmodic. It's also used in treating pains, arthritis and as an antiseptic and more. It's said to be an anticancer agent called podophyllocotoxin. The berries can be somewhat toxic though as other parts of the tree. Eating large quantities can cause diarrhea. Always remember to be cautious and well informed with many references before trying or using any plant medicinally. Other uses include moth repellent, insecticide and an essential oil can be obtained from the wood. The Eastern Red Cedar is just another discovery of what's in my yard and area where I live. I hope you'll take time to discover a magnificent Creator and His magnificent creation where you are.