Juniperus virginiana

Eastern Red Cedar

This evergreen conifer is the best bird attracting tree in Eastern North America. Its 25' pyramidal form provides dense cover year round, and its shredding bark is used by many birds for nest construction. Female trees produce round, gray or bluish berry-like cones which 80 species of birds adore. Cedar waxwings earned their common name because of their reliance on the fruit.

Benefits:

Dense evergreen provides year round cover and nesting sites for many birds

80 species of birds feed on the fruit

Host plant for olive hairstreak butterfly

Fragrant foliage and wood

Adapts to almost any growing condition and makes a good windbreak

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun.

Prefers moist soils, but has the best drought resistance of any conifer native to the eastern U. S.

Tolerates a wide range of soils and growing conditions, from swamps to dry rocky areas.

Plant in masses to assure good berry set.

Height 25-30 Feet

Spread 10-12 Feet

Native Range Old fields, pastures, roadsides, balds, and margins of swamps from southern Quebec to southern Ontario, Minnesota and southern Iowa south to Texas and Florida.

Native Trivia The Eastern red cedar is a valuable commercial tree. The heartwood is reddish-brown and aromatic, and is commonly used for cedar chests and closets because it repels insects. The wood is also used for interior finish, fence posts, poles and pencils.

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

"This is such an outstanding food and cover source that over 80 species of my bird buddies use it."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Conifers	Exposure • Sun • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade • Filtered Shade	Soil Moisture Preference • Dry • Moist but well-drained • Average • Moist	Attracts Wildlife • Songbirds • Butterflies
Bloom Time • Late Spring / Early Summer	Habitat Collection • Dry Shade • Wet Sun	Foliage Color • Green