Common Name(s): Aromatic Red Cedar, Eastern Redcedar
Scientific Name: Juniperus virginiana
Distribution: Eastern North America
Tree Size: 100-115 ft (30-35 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 33 lbs/ft3 (530 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .44, .53
Janka Hardness: 900 lbf (4,000 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 8,800 lbf/in2 (60.7 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 880,000 lbf/in2 (6.07 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 6,020 lbf/in2 (41.5 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 3.1%, Tangential: 4.7%, Volumetric: 7.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.5
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a relatively uniform light pinkish to reddish brown; colors tend to darken with age.
Random pockets of gum and natural oils are commonly present. Grain patterning and figure tends to be somewhat bland.
Grain/Texture: Grain is straight or shallowly interlocked. Medium texture and moderate natural luster.
Endgrain: Can range from ring-porous to diffuse-porous; medium-large early wood pores, small-medium late wood pores; solitary and radial mul ples of 2-3; mineral deposits (red gum) occasionally present; growth rings dis nct due to terminal parenchyma in diffuse-porous samples, or lines of larger pores in ring-porous samples; rays usually visible without lens; parenchyma banded (terminal), apotracheal parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, paratracheal parenchyma vasicentric.
Rot Resistance: Spanish Cedar ranges from durable to moderately durable regarding decay resistance, and is also resistant to termite attack; the wood is also reported to have excellent weathering characteristics. Older, slower-growing trees from the wild tend to produce wood that is more durable than wood from younger, plantation-grown trees.
Work-ability: Spanish Cedar is easy to work with both hand and machine tools. However, due to its low density and softness, Spanish Cedar tends to leave fuzzy surfaces if not machined with sharp cutters; extra sanding up to finer grits may be required to obtain a smooth wood surface. Also, natural gum pockets can remain wet and may ooze out onto the surrounding surface, which can clog and gum up saw blades, and make finishing the wood a challenge.
Odor: Has a distinct, lingering, cedar-like scent; this characteristic of the wood makes it a favorite for cigar boxes.
Wood Uses
- General Construction
- Joinery Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Floor Decking Terraces
- External Applications
- Ceiling Walls Panels
- Moldings