Juniperus virginiana

Plant Family

Cupressaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Juniperus virginiana

Photo by: GERALD L. KLINGAMAN

Plant Common Name

Eastern Red Cedar

General Description

The deep green towers and pyramids of Eastern Red Cedar are an enduring and widespread presence in abandoned fields and open roadsides all across eastern North America. Appearing in a variety of shapes and sizes, it tends to grow in large colonies, and most commonly forms either a tall, narrow spire or broadly conical tree. It grows slowly to moderately fast depending on soil and climate, and may eventually become a sizeable tree, potentially living for hundreds of years. Its aromatic, scale-like, evergreen foliage is dense, lush, and prickly to the touch, and may develop bronze tones in the cold temperatures of winter. Mature specimens develop sturdy, fluted trunks with appealing, silvery-brown bark which peels off in long, papery shreds. The fragrant, red-colored wood has long been prized for its beauty and resistance to decay. Female plants bear large quantities of small, blue, berry-like cones which are an important source of winter food for many birds.

This hardy, adaptable evergreen requires full sun and well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility. It is highly tolerant of drought, heat, cold, and poor, rocky soils, but cannot tolerate soggy conditions or standing water. An excellent wildlife plant, eastern red cedar is beautiful whether planted as a specimen, screen or windbreak. Numerous cultivars exist, all of which are attractive, versatile, low-maintenance additions to the landscape.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  9 - 1

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  3 - 9

• Sunset Zone

  A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24

• Plant Type

  Needled or Scaled Evergreen

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun, Partial Sun

• Height

  50'-100' / 15.2m - 30.5m

• Width

  15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

• Native To

  Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Clay, Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Drought

• Growth Rate

  Medium

• Water Requirements

  Drought Tolerant, Average Water

• Habit

  Pyramidal

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  None

• Fruit Color

  Blue

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Dark Green, Bronze

• Bark Color

  Brown, Gray

• Fragrant Flowers

  No

• Fragrant Fruit

  Yes

• Fragrant Foliage

  Yes

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  Yes

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  Yes

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  No

• Foliage Texture

  Medium

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  Yes

• Showy Bark

  Yes

Special Characteristics

• Bark Texture

  Exfoliating

• Usage

  Feature Plant, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  Yes

• Invasive

  Sometimes

• Attracts

  Birds

• Self-Sowing

  Yes