River Trail Stop 6

Red cedar has unique leaves that are different from any other tree on the island.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Stop #6: Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) When facing post number 6, the red cedar is the large tree with flakey bark to the right of the post. The eastern red cedar is actually in the juniper family. Cedar trees, such as the one to the left, are an aromatic evergreen. They are salt tolerant and are commonly found in the transition zone between the marsh and the maritime forest. The soft wood was often used to carve statues of animals as well as for canoes and pirogues. The flakey bark makes a good fire starter. The red cedar produces gray, blue-green round berry-like fruit which is made of fused cone scales. The berries may have been used by the Timucuan to flavor food dishes.