Southern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola)

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

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

Revised 1/20/07 cwcook@duke.edu