A field and laboratory study examined the hypothesis that the small-scale distribution pattern ofJuniperus virginianaon barrier islands is related to salinity patterns and plant responses to salinity. Temporal (May – October) and spatial variability in ground water availability, ground water salinity, and total soil chlorides were quantified across a Virginia barrier island. Groundwater depth and salinity increased throughout the summer; microtopographic position and location on the island also affected soil salinities. Highest salinities occurred near the ocean side beach and bay side marsh, as well as in low lying swales that flood during extreme high tides or storms. Median rooting zone chloride level forJ.virginianawas 54 μg/g. In contrast, laboratory germination and growth studies indicated thatJ.virginianawas significantly affected only at high salinity levels (1000 and 1400 μg/g), suggesting that salinity is not the only factor regulating small-scale distribution patterns. The broad tolerance to salinity may account for the abundance ofJ.virginianain coastal environments.Key words: barrier island, eastern red cedar,Juniperus virginiana, salinity response, water relations.