Brown coloration on junipers

Certain Eastern Red cedar and various other junipers are showing a brownish cast when viewed from a distance. This may very well be the male flowers. Male flowers are on the tips of the leaves and look somewhat like a cross between a miniature hand grenade and a pine cone. Shaking the branches on dry days will often result in a cloud of pollen being released.

Most junipers are dioecious; they have both male and female plants. Therefore, about half the junipers (the males) will have this coloration. Some years this shows up much more than others. This year seems to be one where this is very noticeable. The female flowers are much less obvious. If you are concerned about this brown coloration, check the plants to make sure the male flowers are the cause. If they are, I assure you that this is normal and will fade with time.

Certain Eastern Red cedar and various other junipers are showing a brownish cast when viewed from a distance. This may very well be the male flowers. Male flowers are on the tips of the leaves and look somewhat like a cross between a miniature hand grenade and a pine cone. Shaking the branches on dry days will often result in a cloud of pollen being released.

Most junipers are dioecious; they have both male and female plants. Therefore, about half the junipers (the males) will have this coloration. Some years this shows up much more than others. This year seems to be one where this is very noticeable. The female flowers are much less obvious. If you are concerned about this brown coloration, check the plants to make sure the male flowers are the cause. If they are, I assure you that this is normal and will fade with time.