Eastern redcedar is one of the most talked-about trees in Kansas, valued by some, frustrating for others, and expanding rapidly across the landscape. But what if we could change the way this tree reproduces?

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we talk with Kansas State University graduate student Emily Rowe about her research exploring the possibility of developing male-only eastern redcedar trees. The goal: maintain the benefits of this hardy native species while limiting its ability to spread.

While the path to male-only cedars has proven more complicated than expected, Emily’s work has uncovered important breakthroughs in eastern redcedar propagation and genetics. She shares what researchers have learned so far, the challenges of working with this species, and how this research could shape the future of redcedar management in Kansas and beyond.

If you’ve ever wondered whether science could help solve the redcedar problem, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the research.

• Learn more about eastern redcedar: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G3VtVcaCd4s8ehwgQWdWx?si=OVKRIsd8RBOJJWQ5dKRxgA
• Ode to Eastern Redcedar Art Project: An Ode to Eastern Redcedar | Facebook