Juniperus virginiana

Eastern Red Cedar

The Eastern red cedar is a great choice when a simple, carefree evergreen tree is needed in the landscape. Plant as a specimen or in groups for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and privacy hedges. Lower limbs can be pruned up as plants age to expose handsome gray to reddish exfoliating bark on the trunk. Can also be used for topiary.

Light blue-green clusters of cones mature in late winter or early spring. Female (or predominantly female) trees produce small, round blue cones that mature in the fall and are devoured by cedar waxwings. Male trees bear small pollen-producing cones. Pollen is wind-borne and released in large quantities.

Eastern red cedar provides shelter for wildlife, nesting sites and berries for birds, pollen for pollinators, and food for caterpillars.

  • Evergreen, coniferous native
  • Upright, pyramidal habit
  • Deer resistant, drought tolerant

  • Category: Shrub, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 3-9
  • Height: 20-30 ft
  • Spread: 8-20 ft
  • Foliage Color: Green
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Landscape Characteristics
Bark Color
Branch Structure
Ornamental Fruit
Classification by Use
Drought Tolerant
Hedge/Screen
Mass Planting
Native
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Animal Resistance
Deer Resistant
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Songbirds
Habit
Pyramidal
Upright
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Foliage
Evergreen
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Moisture
Dry Soil
Average Water
Well-Drained
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Juniperus virginiana

Very adaptable and easy to grow. Will thrive in dry, gravelly soil, as well as acidic or basic soil. Prefers a sunny location with good air circulation and well-drained, deep soil. If planted in favorable conditions, plants can grow quite large. Very salt tolerant; grows well in urban environments.