Final answer:
The Eastern Red Cedar is actually a species of juniper, Juniperus virginiana, not a true cedar, and it belongs to the Cupressaceae family where members have overlapping scale-like leaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tree known as the Eastern Red Cedar is actually a species of juniper, specifically Juniperus virginiana. Despite its name, it's not a true cedar from the Cedrus genus. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family, which includes both junipers and true cedars. Members of this family often have small, scale-like leaves that overlap one another, a trait shared with other conifers such as the giant sequoia, which is also a member of the Cupressaceae family. The wood of Juniperus virginiana is valued for its high tannin content, which makes it resistant to decay and gives it a distinct color, similar to other trees in the cedar family.