Eastern Redcedar
Juniperus virginiana
Also known as Red Cedar, Pencil Cedar, Eastern Juniper
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Redcedar grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Eastern redcedar is a native evergreen conifer with aromatic, feathery foliage that ranges from soft green to silvery-blue and often turns purple-bronze in winter. It produces small blue berry-like cones and is highly valued for screening, windbreaks, and ornamental interest in dry landscapes.
Why grow it
Eastern redcedar establishes reliably in poor, dry, or rocky soils where many ornamental conifers struggle, making it useful for erosion control and sites with limited water availability. Its tolerance for compacted soil, salt, and alkaline conditions gives it an advantage over species like eastern white pine or spruce in challenging landscapes. The dense branching provides excellent screening and windbreak function, though growth is slower than some faster-growing alternatives.
Watch out for
This species responds poorly to waterlogged conditions and heavy clay soils without amendment, so drainage matters significantly in wetter regions. Foliage density can thin over time if pruned too severely, so restraint is advised with heading cuts. Spider mites occasionally colonize stressed plants in hot, dry locations, warranting periodic inspection during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Eastern redcedar is a native evergreen conifer with aromatic, feathery foliage that ranges from soft green to silvery-blue and often turns purple-bronze in winter. It produces small blue berry-like cones and is highly valued for screening, windbreaks, and ornamental interest in dry landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Redcedar grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Eastern redcedar establishes reliably in poor, dry, or rocky soils where many ornamental conifers struggle, making it useful for erosion control and sites with limited water availability. Its tolerance for compacted soil, salt, and alkaline conditions gives it an advantage over species like eastern white pine or spruce in challenging landscapes. The dense branching provides excellent screening and windbreak function, though growth is slower than some faster-growing alternatives.
Watch out for
This species responds poorly to waterlogged conditions and heavy clay soils without amendment, so drainage matters significantly in wetter regions. Foliage density can thin over time if pruned too severely, so restraint is advised with heading cuts. Spider mites occasionally colonize stressed plants in hot, dry locations, warranting periodic inspection during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
