Across the Nation, climatic shifts occur challenging all to enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes. As a result, Eastern Redcedar ‘Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana’ is identified as a ‘Plants of CARE’ for its ability to flourish in multiple climate zones while providing sustainable characteristics which inspire people to become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency.”
Plants of Care, plant recognition program –
Whether an experienced landscape professional or novice homeowner, all are challenged to not simple identify plants that survive but thrive; and then, create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. So, as a hands-on landscape gardener who participates in nation-wide plant testing, I’ve implemented a plant recognition program which recommends plant material proven to enable landscape gardens of CARE. A plant of CARE choice is spotlighted for its ability to inspire people to CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency.
Eastern Redcedar ‘Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana’ –
Eastern Redcedar ‘Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana’ is a plant identified to flourish in multiple climate zones. Recognized as providing eco sustainable habitats, its vibrant characteristics have intrigued mankind for centuries. Cedar trees were used to build not only the temple of the Lord but also Solomon’s house and other public edifices in Jerusalem. In the new world, Native Americans used cedar to make canoes and other boats as well as weapons, boxes, bowls and baskets; and, believed cedar to be inhabited by their ancestral spirits.
Viewed as a plant used to establish a ‘holy place’, Quakers installed cedar trees to mark grave sites. So, it was during the restoration of our family cemetery - Bolton-Hoehns - that I became intrigued by this plant. For, we identified five trees which had for more than 150 years marked the grave site of family members. During the Civil War, cedar trees were also used to mark the site of fallen soldiers. So, it is not surprising, to honor the memory of those lost in the Virginia Tech shooting tragedy the Washington State University community planted a large eastern red cedar in the Alumni Arboretum adjacent to the Lewis Alumni Centre on Wednesday, September 12th, 2007. The oldest known tree was reported from Missouri and was nearly 800 years old; so, a tree installed to honor people or events has the potential to be a lasting tribute for many years to come.
Selected as a ‘plants of care’ choice, Eastern Redcedar ‘Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana’ is an excellent plant which through its ability to flourish has attract nation-wide gardeners and through its sustainability is recognized to inspire people to become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency. As gardeners, we have an opportunity to create eco healthy urban suburban green communities, identify and install plants that work-well in your area. For details of the ‘plants of CARE’ program, visit web site TheWrightScoop.
Side-bar: eastern redcedar ‘Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana’ -
Leaf: Evergreen, very small, with two types of leaves (often on the same tree), scale-like leaves 1/16 inch long, dark green, with 4 sides held tightly to twig and longer (1/4 inch), dark blue-green needle-like leaves that are more common on young trees and fast growing shoots.
Flower: Dioecious; but occasionally monoecious; males are small, yellow-brown, occurring in large groups; females are light blue-green.
Fruit: Berry-like cones, light green in spring, turning dark blue and glaucous at maturity, about 1/4 inch in diameter, appearing in spring and maturing in the fall.
Twig: Green for several years, covered in scales, later turning brown.
Bark: Red-brown in color, exfoliating in long, fibrous strips, often ashy gray where exposed.
Form: A small tree with a dense ovoid or columnar crown reaching up to 60 feet tall.
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