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Cedar & Juniper

In a message dated 98-07-23 21:38:12 EDT, you write:

<< Interesting, Mark.  Is juniper  really called a ceader in your neck of the
 woods?  I've never heard of that!
 
 In the northeast many folks call arborvite cedar, incorrectly of course. 
  >>

My neck of the woods, too.  Not all Junipers -- just Juniperus virginiana, the
common name of which is Eastern Redcedar.  This is the accepted common name
all over the U.S. for this plant which is found throughout North America east
of the Rockies. In Missouri it invades old fields and is often one of the
first tree species that grows on dry limestone glades.  We don't see it much
in the forest, except where there is an opening, as it is a sunlover.  It is
usually found in the early tree stage of primary or secondary succession.  It
is also popular in cultivation. 

Oddly, it is not plants of the genus Cedrus (Cedar) for which cedar apple rust
is named.  Juniperus virginiana is the host, and not Cedrus.  And also, the
birds called Cedar Waxwing are so named because they love the berries of
Eastern Redcedar.  

In addition to the bird and disease mentioned above, the juniper called
Eastern Redcedar is also famous for its fragrant, red wood that is used for
cedar chests, closets and novelties.  So the use of the term cedar for this
particular Juniper is quite common throughout North America.  

The folks in your neck of the woods who call Arborvitae "Cedar" aren't
entirely wrong, either.  Thuja occidentalis is called Eastern Arborvitae,
American Arborvitae and also White Cedar.  

This is all very interesting, but I do not have a clue how these names got so
mixed up.  If anyone knows the story, I would love to hear it!  --Janis
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