Eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana

Virginia juniper is found naturally in eastern regions of North America. From Outaouis to Quebec where it is present in a few rare places, in Ontario and as far as Florida. It grows on poor, shallow soils in single formations. The tree is naturally dispersed by birds which eat its berries. The tree appreciates limestone soils, good sunlight and can live on dry land thanks to its deep roots. Don't be discouraged, its growth is slow; at 20 years old it only reaches 3 to 4 meters. Its adult size varies from 10 to 20 meters depending on the growth environment, while the diameter of its trunk does not exceed 50 centimeters. The tree can live 600 to 1000 years. The typical conical port is narrow, its branches are very dense. Its red-brown bark peels in fine strips. Its branches are thin, approximately 1 mm wide.

Its leaves are in the form of scales and needles. The scales measure 1.5 to 2 mm and are arranged in four tight rows on the twig. The needles are 5 to 8 mm long. The needles are sharp and grow in opposite pairs. Their external surface is whitish. The ovoid fruits ripen during the first year. 5 to 6 mm long, they are bluish and contain one or two seeds. The fruits are appreciated by birds who feed on them while spreading the seeds in nature and thereby multiplying the tree. Its wood is very resistant to rot. Essential oils are made from juniper.