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Eastern redcedar identification: leaves, bark, cones and twigs
Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, cones and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Tiny scale-like leaves. Two kinds of foliage, often on one tree: tiny dark green scales (about 1/16 inch) pressed flat to the twig, and prickly needle-like leaves about 1/4 inch long, most common on young trees. Bark: Reddish brown bark that peels in long, stringy strips. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify eastern redcedar
| Leaf type | Tiny scale-like leaves |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Two kinds of foliage, often on one tree: tiny dark green scales (about 1/16 inch) pressed flat to the twig, and prickly needle-like leaves about 1/4 inch long, most common on young trees. |
| Bark | Reddish brown bark that peels in long, stringy strips. |
| Cones | Berry-like cones about 1/4 inch across, pale green in spring and dark blue with a whitish bloom by fall. |
| Twigs | Green, scale-covered twigs that turn brown with age. |
| Size and shape | Small tree with a dense oval or column-shaped crown; up to about 60 feet. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is eastern redcedar native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists eastern redcedar as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like eastern redcedar
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Eastern arborvitae Thuja occidentalis | Tiny scale-like leaves. Tiny overlapping scales 1/8 to 1/4 inch long on flat, fan-like sprays. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, cones and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify eastern redcedar?
Look for tiny scale-like leaves. Two kinds of foliage, often on one tree: tiny dark green scales (about 1/16 inch) pressed flat to the twig, and prickly needle-like leaves about 1/4 inch long, most common on young trees. Bark: Reddish brown bark that peels in long, stringy strips.
Is eastern redcedar native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists eastern redcedar as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does eastern redcedar get?
Small tree with a dense oval or column-shaped crown; up to about 60 feet.
What tree looks like eastern redcedar?
Eastern arborvitae. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Juniperus virginiana fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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