Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar is native to all of Iowa and is one of the oldest trees with specimens identified more than 450 years old. It is a rather ugly conifer, but it is a very tough and versatile tree. It actually thrives on soils and sites too harsh for other tree species. The distinctive bright red-brown heartwood is moderately soft and is used extensively as a lining in chests, wardrobes and closets because of its fragrance.