Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent knots where small branches were trimmed, common in round sapling or branch stock used for walking sticks.
Color & Appearance
Distinctive contrast between pale yellowish-white sapwood and deep reddish-brown to purple-red heartwood, which may have been partially sanded or scraped to reveal the contrasting colors beneath the outer bark.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Varies by length and straightness, typically $15 to $40 for a finished walking staff.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be harvested from a sapling or branch roughly 5 to 15 years old, recently prepared into a walking stick with a smooth polished finish.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly abundant and widespread across its native range, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists.
Common Uses
Walking sticks, hiking staffs, fence posts, chests, closet linings, outdoor furniture, small turned items, and bows.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, takes a very smooth finish, though knots can present minor localized grain tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils like tung oil or boiled linseed oil, or clear polyurethane to protect the wood while highlighting the rich reddish heartwood and contrasting pale sapwood.
Notable Features
Known for its distinct aromatic scent, natural resistance to decay and insects due to natural oils, and striking color contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
