Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one of my favorite trees. They have many excellent traits. Being evergreen they make excellent cover for birds seeking to escape notice or find safety from predators. They are free of any serious disease or insect pests. One fungal infection they do get, Cedar Apple Rust, which is basically harmless cedars, even has a super cool fungus that looks like an orange tentacled alien. The Juniper berries produced by the female are very much sought after as food by many species of birds and mammals. It is tough as nails - a trait very desirable in the ever-developing area I live in. It quickly invades old fields as a pioneer species that begins the process of converting fallow fields into forests. It bounces back from heavy snows and the wood is very rot resistant and aromatic. What's not to like?

Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, VA