Scientific Name
Juniperus virginiana
Common Name
Eastern redcedar

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Cupressaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen tree; leaves opposite, awn- or awl-like in juvenile growth and scale-like and overlapping in mature growth; pollen cones small and yellowish on male trees; seed cones ("berries") bluish on female trees.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in open, dry woods, weedy in disturbed areas in fields, pastures, fence rows; landscape cultivated as small tree, Christmas tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Fleshy cones (resemble berries), leaves.
Symptoms
Large amounts may cause diarrhea.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Juniper tea can be made by placing a dozen young berryless twigs in a quart of cold water; bring to a boil then allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and use as regular tea, in small quantities. SOURCE: Angier, B. 1974. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa, 255 pp.
Toxic Principle
Volatile oils including thujone.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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