Cedarwood Virginia Oil USA

Virginia cedar is actually a species of juniper with a heartwood that tends to be reddish or purplish brown, hence the name red cedar. It is thought that Juniperus virginiana is native to the Chicago area and has given rise to cousins, largely through long-distance seed dispersal by birds travelling to the Bahamas, then Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola. The seeds come from female trees, which produce the tiny blue berries.

Although Juniperus virginiana is widespread throughout the eastern half of the United States, it is a very slow growing species. Because of its ability to grow under extreme and highly variable climatic conditions, as well as a range of soil, topographic and elevation variables, its natural range extends well into the Great Plains. The trunk of this juniper tree is cut and crushed, leaving the roots in place. Eastern red cedar is used for construction and furniture, especially cedar chests and wardrobes. Sawdust and shavings from sawmills are used to produce essential oil by distillation.