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Tree identification #812075

Asked September 24, 2022, 5:00 PM EDT

Hello, can you help identify this evergreen? The needles are very short & sharp (it's not fun to touch). For size reference it is in a plant pot 12" in diameter & 12" high. Thank you.

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

This appears to be a young Juniper, possibly an Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), which is a native, very common evergreen found across the state. Junipers often have this prickly foliage characteristic when young, becoming more flattened and scaly (and less sharp) as they age. Birds enjoy Juniper berries and may have "planted" this seedling a year or two ago (guessing, based on its size).

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied September 26, 2022, 11:22 AM EDT
Thank you very much. I put the little tree seedling in the pot having found it elsewhere and having an idea what it is will help me decide whether to keep it or not! Your explanation about how the needles change as the tree matures was very helpful; I think that's why I couldn't identify it myself by looking at photos online.
On Monday, September 26, 2022, 11:22:42 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied September 26, 2022, 12:44 PM EDT
You're welcome.
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied September 26, 2022, 4:32 PM EDT

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