Cedars and Junipers: Not the Same Tree

A common misconception is that any kind of wood that has an aromatic bark is a cedar. This is not the case, however. In fact, many trees that are called cedar aren’t even true cedars. Only cedars that are part of the Cedrus genus are true cedars, of which there are only four species. It should also be noted that true cedars belong to the coniferous plant family, Pinaceae.

True cedars are native to the western Himalayas of Aisa and the Mediterranean region of Europe. Some true cedars, such as Cedar of Lebanon and Atlas cedar, can grow in North America.

What about other kinds of cedars in North American, then? Although they are still referred to as cedars, they are considered “false cedars.” These trees belong to the cypress family. Some examples of false cedars include:

• Incense Cedar

• Western Red Cedar

• Atlantic White Cedar

• Northern White Cedar

There is also the Eastern Red Cedar, which isn’t even a false cedar, it’s actually a juniper! Other cedars that are actually junipers include the Bermuda Cedar and the Mountain Cedar.

One reason that junipers get stuck being called a cedar is because like the cedar trees, junipers have an aromatic bark. There are other similarities as well. For instance, many cedar trees reach heights of anywhere from 100 to 150 feet. The Incense Cedar grows between 100 to 150 feet tall and the Western Red Cedar typically grow from 120 to 150 feet. Juniper trees can reach a height of 130 feet.

Most juniper trees grow in the Western part of the United States, which is also where other false cedars grow. Both juniper trees and various kinds of cedars are common in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains. The Eastern Red Cedar, though (which is actually a Juniper, remember) is found in the eastern part of the United States.

It’s easy to see why cedars in North America are easily confused with juniper trees. One of the only ways to tell them apart is by taking a close look at them.

Cedar Trees

These tall trees are conifers that have fanlike foliage that is also soft and feathery. One distinctive characteristic of cedars is their small cones or tiny pink flowers. Most cedars in North America also have stringy bark that is sometimes reddish-brown. Many cedars, such as the Northern White Cedar, has a pyramid shape. The Western Red Cedar is easily identified by its massive height, as this tree can grow up to 230 feet and have a trunk as large as 23 feet in diameter.

Most people describe the smell of cedar as woodsy.  Some people go even further and say that cedar wood has a calm, soothing odor. Cedar wood has a distinct reddish-brown color that resembles cinnamon. The heartwood is usually pinkish-brown or reddish-brown. The sapwood is typically pale yellow. Unlike juniper, cedar wood has a straight grain and even texture.

Due to its color and durability, Western Red Cedar is especially valuable. Because cedar is resistant to decay and insects, this type of wood is popular for outdoor projects, such as roof shingles, decks, exterior siding, and fencing. Cedar is also popular for closets and trunks in which to store clothes.

Because of all its wonderful qualities, cedar has become one of the most popular types of wood for both sawyers and consumers. Here are just some of the reasons that sawyers like cedar: 

• Easy to cut on any size sawmill

• Smells good

• Looks nice

• Repels insects

• Resistant to weather

• Does not shrink, warp, or decay, even during sudden changes in weather

Another reason sawyers like cedar is that customers are willing to pay more for this kind of lumber.

Juniper Trees

There are between 60 and 70 species of junipers, which grow in various shapes and sizes. Many junipers are low-branching shrubs while others grow into trees. Whether a shrub or a tree, all junipers are evergreens. Some have needles while others have scaly, flat leaves. The mature leaves of juniper trees are awl-shaped. The leaves are also either arranged in pairs or whorls of three.

Landscape professionals describe juniper trees as “upright,” as they resemble narrow columns when full-grown. One distinctive characteristic of juniper is that they produce small cones that resemble berries.

Juniper wood has an enticing scent that is often compared to that of a warm campfire and freshly cut herbs. The color of the wood varies from milky-white to reddish brown. Juniper wood might also contain swirling grain patterns with many knots and also has bands of heartwood mixed with sapwood.

After it’s dried, Juniper is known to shrink and swell less than Western Red Cedar. Because it is rot-resistant, juniper wood has been traditionally used for fenceposts and firewood. In recent years, juniper has become a popular wood for making rustic mantles, live edge tables, and raised garden beds.

Juniper is a bit more labor-intensive to work with, which is why sawyers tend to shy away from milling it. But sawyers who have never given Juniper a chance may want to reconsider. Check out the video below to see how beautiful juniper wood is when it’s milled.