Eastern Redcedar - Juniperus virginiana

This evergreen tree is typically covered with small bluish-green scale-like leaves. Juvenile plants have leaves that are more needle-like, pointed and awl-shaped. An adult tree may have both types of foliage. Male plants have small, capsule-shaped brown cones 0.10-0.15 inches long. Female plants bear cones approximately 0.25 inches in diameter that are berry-like with a waxy blue color. The bark of a mature tree is reddish brown, with long vertical strips that may have a shredded appearance. Red cedar has aromatic wood that has historically been used to build cedar chests and fence posts and to manufacture pencils.

Chinese Lantern - Physalis alkekengi

The Chinese Lantern is a cultivated plant that has naturalized along this part of the trail. The common name comes from the distinctive flower and fruit of this species. As the fruits of this plant develop in fall, the large sepals of the flowers enclose an orange berry, resembling a large orange "paper sac" that looks like a miniature Chinese lantern. Later in the season the papery sepals turn brown and start to disintegrate, giving them a lacy appearance and showcasing the fruit inside. This species, a member of the Potato family (Solanaceae) can be annual or perennial, and will grow well in any well-drained soil with strong sun.