This time of year, the Eastern Red Cedar around Lake Martin sticks out like a sore thumb … if it was a green thumb. That’s because Eastern Red Cedars are one of the few evergreen trees common in our winter forests that are not members of the pine, holly or magnolia families. Unfortunately, this tree isn’t a cedar either.

The Eastern Red Cedar is actually a juniper. Its scientific name, Juniperus virginiana, leaves no room for doubt.