Eastern Red Cedar

The red cedar, Juniperus virginiana, is the only conifer native to Kansas , I think. I found this little guy growing in some old railroad ties that were being used as a little bridge across a ditch. It looks as though it won't make it because the mature trees are all green. This cedar was once planted as a windbreak round homesteads. Nowadays, however, it has become more invasive and will appear in any pasture that is no longer grazed and take over. The same is true along highways that are not mowed. It is widespread in eastern Kansas and occurs through the state.