Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture. The end grain shows very narrow, distinct growth rings with a sharp transition between earlywood and latewood. Frequent small, tight knots are typical, though this specific split section shows relatively clear heartwood.
Color Description
Features a striking contrast between the reddish or violet-brown heartwood and the pale yellow or cream-colored sapwood. The color is vivid when freshly cut but tends to age toward a more subdued reddish-brown or silver-gray if exposed to UV light without a finish.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium); it is relatively hard for a softwood but soft compared to most structural hardwoods.
Durability Rating
Very Durable. The heartwood is highly resistant to decay and is widely renowned for its excellent natural resistance to moths and other insects due to its aromatic oils.
Common Uses
Closet lining, chests, fence posts, outdoor furniture, birdhouses, small specialty woodcrafts, and pencils.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on width and clarity.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be freshly split green wood from a tree approximately 15 to 25 years old based on the growth ring count and sapwood thickness in this radial section.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). It is a highly sustainable species, often considered invasive in certain grasslands, and is not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It saws, planes, and sands well, though it is brittle and prone to splitting when nailing or screwing near edges. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant 'cedar' aroma caused by natural oils; the dust can be a respiratory irritant for some. It is very lightweight and dimensionally stable.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished for aromatic purposes (closeline/chests). For furniture, use a clear wax, oil, or polyurethane to preserve the color; however, water-based finishes may help prevent the wood from darkening as quickly as oil-based ones.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct color contrast between the purple-red heartwood and yellow sapwood, combined with the thin bark texture and characteristic growth ring pattern, is diagnostic for Juniperus virginiana.