Definition

Noun: - A species of juniper tree: "Southern red cedar" refers to a specific evergreen tree, Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola or Juniperus silicicola, native to coastal regions of the southeastern United States. It is closely related to and resembles the eastern red cedar.

Usage Notes

• This is a compound noun that functions as the common name for a specific tree species. It is typically used in botanical, ecological, or landscaping contexts.
• It is often written in lowercase (southern red cedar) but may be capitalized when referring to the specific botanical name.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The fence was built from durable southern red cedar.
  • Southern red cedar is commonly found in the coastal plains of Florida and Georgia.
  • The wildlife sanctuary protects a grove of ancient southern red cedars.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used to specify a regional variety of the broader "red cedar" group, distinguishing it from the "eastern red cedar" () which is found further inland.

Variants and Related Words

• Eastern red cedar (n): A closely related species () common in inland areas of eastern North America.
• Red cedar (n): A general term that can refer to several aromatic, reddish-wooded trees, including both the southern and eastern varieties, as well as some unrelated species like the western red cedar.
• Juniper (n): The genus () to which the southern red cedar belongs.

Synonyms

• Coastal red cedar: A less common synonym emphasizing its habitat.
• Juniperus silicicola: The formal botanical/scientific name.

Related Phrases

• Southern red cedar wood: Refers specifically to the timber from this tree, known for its durability and resistance to decay.
  • The chest is made of southern red cedar wood to protect the contents from moths.

Noun

1. juniper of swampy coastal regions of southeastern United States; similar to eastern red cedar