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Growing on the High Plains

Growing on the High Plains: Eastern Red Cedar - Part One

By Skip Mancini
Published January 20, 2022 at 11:57 AM CST

It's a tree you see everywhere on the High Plains, but did you know it has a secret? The Eastern Red Cedar isn't a cedar at all.

Today we’ll take a look at the Eastern Red Cedar, which is not actually a “true cedar” at all. Rather, these sprawling evergreens come from the juniper family—and there’s certainly a family resemblance. Learn more about this bulbous gem of a tree, seen spotted all across our High Plains region.

Growing on the High Plains
Skip Mancini
Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.
See stories by Skip Mancini