Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana ) The hard, moderately heavy heartwood is red-brown and the sapwood is nearly white. The wood is close-grained but weak and brittle. It is often used for cedar chests, wardrobes and closet linings because of its fragrance and reputed ability to repel moths. This species was once used for pencils, but the wood of the incense cedar (Libocedrus decurrens) of the Pacific Coast now fills this need. The wood is easily worked and used for carvings and small ornaments. (More)