Both trees are evergreen conifers that are often used in landscaping. Juniper is more tolerant of cold weather than cedar, but cedar is less likely to be damaged by wind and ice. Cedar is also more resistant to insects and disease than juniper. When choosing a tree for your landscape, consider your climate and the tree’s resistance to damage.
Juniper
(Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay )
Juniper is also a coniferous tree, but it is in the genus Juniperus. Juniper trees are usually shorter than cedar trees, only growing to be about 30 feet tall. They have needle-like leaves that are arranged in whorls of three. The cones of juniper trees are berry-like and can be either red or blue. Juniper wood is pale yellowish-brown in color and has a faint, unpleasant smell. It is not often used in construction or furniture making, but sometimes it is used as firewood.
Cedar
(Image by Agnès from Pixabay )
Cedar is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. The cedar is an evergreen, meaning it has leaves all year round. The leaves are long and thin, and the cones are small and round. Cedar trees can grow to be very tall, up to 100 feet or more. Cedarwood is a light reddish-brown color and has a strong, pleasant smell. It is often used in construction, furniture making, and for musical instruments.
Juniper Vs. Cedar – Key differences
Juniper and cedar are both types of trees commonly found in various parts of the world, and they have a few key differences:
Appearance: Junipers are typically small to medium-sized trees or shrubs that have needle-like leaves, while cedar trees are generally taller and have scale-like leaves.
Wood: Juniper wood is typically reddish-brown in color and has a distinctive aroma, while cedar wood is lighter in color and has a sweet, pleasant scent.
Uses: Juniper wood is often used for making furniture, fence posts, and other outdoor structures due to its durability and resistance to decay. Cedar wood, on the other hand, is often used for making cedar chests, closet linings, and other indoor applications due to its aromatic properties and insect-repelling qualities.
Medicinal Properties: Both juniper and cedar trees have medicinal properties, but they differ in their applications. Juniper berries have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including urinary tract infections, digestive problems, and joint pain, while cedar oil has been used topically for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cultivation: Juniper trees can grow in a wide variety of soil types and are often used in landscaping due to their hardiness, while cedar trees typically require well-draining soil and are often planted in areas with high humidity.
Both juniper and cedar trees have their unique characteristics and uses, they are distinct from each other in appearance, wood properties, uses, and cultivation requirements.
Which is better?
The answer to which is better, juniper or cedar, ultimately depends on what you are looking for.
If you are looking for wood that is durable and resistant to decay for outdoor structures, then juniper may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for wood with insect-repelling qualities for indoor applications, then cedar may be the better choice.
In terms of medicinal properties, both juniper and cedar have been used for centuries and have various applications, so it is difficult to say which is better. It ultimately depends on what condition or ailment you are trying to treat and the specific properties of the plant that may be effective for that particular condition.
In terms of appearance and cultivation, it again depends on your preferences and the specific conditions in which you plan to plant the trees. Juniper trees are often used in landscaping due to their hardiness, while cedar trees require well-draining soil and high humidity.
So, there is no clear answer to which is better between juniper and cedar. It depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
What is the difference between juniper berries and cedar berries?
Juniper berries and cedar berries are actually not the same thing, and they come from two different types of trees.
Juniper berries come from the juniper tree, which is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub with needle-like leaves. Juniper berries are small, blue-purple, and have a resinous, pine-like flavor with a slightly sweet and spicy taste. They are commonly used as a spice in various cuisines and as a flavoring in gin.
Cedar berries, on the other hand, come from the Eastern Red Cedar or Juniperus virginiana tree. While its common name contains the word “cedar”, it is actually a species of juniper. Cedar berries are small, blue to black in color, and have a strong, pungent aroma. They are not typically used for culinary purposes, but the essential oil derived from cedar berries is used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent.
In summary, juniper berries and cedar berries are two different things that come from different trees. Juniper berries are commonly used as a spice in cooking, while cedar berries are not typically used for culinary purposes but have other uses such as in aromatherapy and as an insect repellent.
Does juniper or cedar smell?
Both juniper and cedar trees have a distinct and pleasant smell.
Juniper trees have an aromatic, resinous fragrance that comes from the leaves, bark, and berries. The fragrance is often described as fresh, woody, and slightly sweet. Juniper berries in particular have a strong pine-like aroma that is used as a spice in cooking and as a flavoring in gin.
Cedar trees, on the other hand, have a sweet and earthy aroma that comes from the oils in the wood. The scent is often described as warm and soothing. The essential oil derived from cedar berries has a strong, pungent aroma that is used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent.
So, both juniper and cedar have a pleasant and distinct smell, but the specific scent may vary depending on the part of the tree and the application.
How do I identify juniper wood and Cedar wood?
Juniper wood and cedar wood have some similarities, but there are also differences that can help you identify them. Here are some ways to identify juniper and cedar wood:
- Color: Juniper wood is typically reddish-brown with occasional lighter streaks, while cedar wood is usually light-colored with reddish-brown streaks.
- Texture: Both juniper and cedar wood have a fine, even texture with a straight grain pattern. However, juniper wood may have small knots or burls, while cedar wood is generally knot-free.
- Aroma: Juniper wood has a distinct, pleasant aroma that can be described as woody and resinous. Cedar wood also has a distinctive aroma that is often described as warm and spicy.
- Location: Juniper trees are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions around the world, such as the western United States, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Cedar trees are native to many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Uses: Juniper wood is often used for outdoor furniture, decking, and fences because of its durability and resistance to decay. Cedar wood is commonly used for indoor applications, such as closets and chests, because of its insect-repelling qualities and pleasant aroma.
Identifying juniper and cedar wood requires a combination of visual, olfactory, and contextual clues. By examining the color, texture, aroma, location, and uses of the wood, you can get a good idea if it is likely to be juniper or cedar.
What are the types of juniper?
There are three main types of juniper: The Common juniper, The Chinese juniper, and The Japanese juniper.
The common juniper is the most widely distributed species and can be found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Chinese juniper is native to China and Taiwan, while the Japanese juniper is native to Japan.
What is juniper and cedar wood used for?
Juniper and cedar wood are often used for the same purposes because they are both durable and rot-resistant. They are commonly used for fence posts, decking, shingles, siding, and flooring. Juniper is also a popular choice for furniture and carving because of its beautiful grain.
