0

I believe this to be some kind of cedar (tree or bush), but would love to know which. Is it an actual cedar tree that could end up as a very large cedar tree? Or is it some kind of cedar scrub that will end up more like a plant?

It's about 12" tall at the moment. It was very prickly at first, as I mowed it down a few times (see this other question), but the more it grows, the softer it feels.

I'm in Northern Ohio. Any ideas, and if so, how can you tell?

enter image description here

Update: It now looks like this:

enter image description here

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Looks like an Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), a native to Ohio. These are slow-growing trees that can get very tall and are not true cedars, although their wood has a pleasing scent. Note that the eventual form of the plant is variable - some specimens grow into a strongly narrow "classic pine tree" shape (called "fastigiate"), while others are much more pyramidal and some become chubby and short. Based on the current shape of your tree, I suspect that it will be in the pyramidal or fastigiate form. In any case, they are extremely easy trees to grow - essentially, do nothing and they'll grow just fine. They are also long-lived - the oldest tree known is over 900 years old.

This Wikipedia page has more information about the tree.

Improve this answer
4
  • Thanks very much!
    – Dave
    Sep 19, 2020 at 0:58
  • You will not be able to grow apples in the area as when it gets large ,a fungus -cedar/apple rust, will like show up. The fungus does not bother the cedar. I am very familiar with them from MO, AR, and TX. I would rather chose a tree from a shop. In that area Blue Spruce would be very attractive.
    – blacksmith37
    Sep 19, 2020 at 16:14
  • @blacksmith - There are many varieties of apples that are resistant to cedar-apple rust (apples.extension.org/…). Also, spruces are susceptible to needle cast disease, which is in Ohio, making spruces a bad choice for the long term. (u.osu.edu/ornamentaldiseasefacts/nursery/…)
    – Jurp
    Sep 19, 2020 at 16:23
  • It has been awhile since I tried to grow apples in MO. And spruce can get spider mites but they can be sprayed. Eastern White Pine ?
    – blacksmith37
    Sep 19, 2020 at 21:16

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.