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Juniperus virginiana

pencil cedar

A cone-shaped or columnar evergreen tree with mid-to dark green needle-like foliage. As a mature specimen of 15-30m (50-100ft) it is well-branched with peeling brown bark. Small round blue-green fruits appear in autumn.

Other common names
cedar oil tree
eastern red cedar
see morered cedar
Virginia cedar

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil, including dry, chalky or sandy soils in full sun. See tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, conifer red spider mite and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches

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