Bermuda Cedar is a juniper not a true cedar. It is cone-shaped when it is young, and becomes a more rounded tree with a solid trunk when it is mature. The trunk can reach four feet in diameter, with widely spaced branches and is covered in bark which peels off in long strips. The twigs on which the scale-like leaves grow are square in cross section. Bermuda Cedars have widely spreading roots, which allow them to survive Bermuda’s winter gales and summer hurricanes. They are also resistant to salt spray.

Bermuda Cedar trees flower in March and April. Male trees produce pollen filled yellow cone-like flowers. The females have small flowers that become the characteristic berries. The blue-grey berries ripen and turn dark purple between September and December, and provide an excellent source of food for birds. Cedar trees also provide valuable nesting sites for birds such as the native Bluebird.

Cedar trees have significant cultural value to Bermudians. The wood of the Bermuda Cedar was historically valued for construction, ship building and furniture. It was also used for carving, boxes and firewood. The soft, red wood is still highly prized by woodworkers and the signature smell of cedar is known to most Bermudians. A Cedar seedling is often placed atop Bermudian wedding cakes to be planted by the couple.