The National Christmas Tree Association lists Red Cedar as the 4th most popular Christmas tree in America. However, they are not used in homes here in the Midwest. The tradition continues today in the South but other varieties of trees started being favored here in the Upper Midwest two generations ago. This is unfortunate.
The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one of the most widespread trees in North America. It is found in every single state east of the Rockies. Being the only common native “pine” tree, Red Cedars were decorated for Christmas in area homes beginning with pioneer settlers and continuing well into the 1900s. A little prickly, it still makes a nice Christmas tree.
The Red Cedar is an invasive plant in many situations here in the Driftless Area, invading prairies, pastures, rocky slopes, fence lines and road sides. Utilizing invasive plants in this manner is a great way to achieve widespread sustainability. 21 million Christmas trees are sold each year and are trucked into sales lots from far away. With such a locally plentiful supply and the need to remove Cedars from natural areas, it sounds like a win-win situation to me.
For the last 8 years Kansas City Wildlands has sponsored a “Cut Your Own Red Cedar Christmas Tree Day.” So, to kick start a program of our own…
The first two respondents within 30 miles of Galena, IL can receive a Red Cedar tree delivered to their home for a donation of $15. You can email me for your opportunity to have a “Green Christmas.” Donations will be submitted to the JoDaviess Conservation Foundation. Good luck!
http://www.kcwildlands.org/egap.php?id=262 The Kansas City Wildlands Red Cedar Christmas Tree Event
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