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Eastern redcedar (*Juniperus virginiana*) is an evergreen juniper native across much of eastern North America—not a true cedar. Its scale-like mature foliage, reddish-brown shreddy bark, and blue-gray fleshy cones make it distinctive. It grows in varied settings, from dry exposed ground to abandoned fields, and is used for wildlife cover, windbreaks, landscape screening, and durable aromatic wood.
What is eastern redcedar?
Eastern redcedar is the common name for Juniperus virginiana L., an evergreen conifer in the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Despite its name, it is a juniper rather than a member of the true cedar genus. The name reflects common usage, not its botanical classification. USDA NRCS and Virginia Cooperative Extension both identify it as a juniper.
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How to identify eastern redcedar
USDA NRCS describes a commonly encountered height of 10 to 40 feet. Younger trees tend to have a pyramidal shape; older trees often become rounder. The following features help distinguish the species:
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Foliage: Older twigs bear small, opposite, scale-like leaves. New shoots can carry spreading, sharp-pointed, awl-like leaves.
- Bark: Thin, reddish brown, and shreddy, often peeling in narrow strips.
- Cones: Female trees produce fleshy, pale-blue cones with a whitish bloom. They are often called “berries,” but botanically they are cones containing seeds.
These are reference descriptions, not a guarantee that every tree will have the same form or size. The USDA NRCS plant guide describes the foliage, bark, cones, and general form.
#1 Best Overall
- For sale are 2 Eastern Red Cedar trees that are approximately 10-16" tall and shipped in quart pots
- STUNNING SEASONAL COLOR TRANSFORMATION - Beautiful blue-green summer foliage dramatically shifts to rich bronze and purple winter tones, providing incredible year-round color interest that constantly changes
- AUTHENTIC AMERICAN HERITAGE EVERGREEN - Brings genuine native character and natural regional beauty to your landscape with this iconic tree that's been part of America's countryside for centuries
- INCREDIBLY HARDY AND ADAPTABLE - Thrives in challenging conditions including drought, poor soils, and extreme weather where other evergreens struggle, delivering reliable performance with minimal care
- NATURAL WILDLIFE MAGNET AND HABITAT - Attracts birds and beneficial wildlife while producing aromatic blue berries, creating a vibrant ecosystem that brings your landscape to life with natural activity
Where does eastern redcedar grow?
Eastern redcedar is among the most widely distributed tree-sized conifers in the eastern United States. The USDA Forest Service describes its range across the eastern half of the country and into southern Ontario and southern Quebec; the Forest Service’s FEIS review gives a broader native-range description extending from Nova Scotia and Ontario south through the northern Great Plains to eastern Texas and northern Florida. The Forest Service Silvics account and FEIS species review describe this range.
Present-day occurrence does not by itself show that a tree is native to a particular site: planting and natural regeneration have expanded its occurrence, especially in the Great Plains. Check local agency guidance when native status or planting suitability matters.
Rank #2
- For sale is an Eastern Red Cedar tree that is approximately 10-16 inches tall and shipped in a quart pot
- STUNNING SEASONAL COLOR TRANSFORMATION - Beautiful blue-green summer foliage dramatically shifts to rich bronze and purple winter tones, providing incredible year-round color interest that constantly changes
- AUTHENTIC AMERICAN HERITAGE EVERGREEN - Brings genuine native character and natural regional beauty to your landscape with this iconic tree that's been part of America's countryside for centuries
- INCREDIBLY HARDY AND ADAPTABLE - Thrives in challenging conditions including drought, poor soils, and extreme weather where other evergreens struggle, delivering reliable performance with minimal care
- NATURAL WILDLIFE MAGNET AND HABITAT - Attracts birds and beneficial wildlife while producing aromatic blue berries, creating a vibrant ecosystem that brings your landscape to life with natural activity
Habitats and site conditions
The species grows on ridges, slopes, flatlands, dry exposed sites, and abandoned fields. In western parts of its range it can also occur on protected north-facing slopes and streambanks. It is drought hardy, but that does not mean it is suitable for every soil or climate. The Forest Service Silvics account describes these habitat settings.
What is eastern redcedar used for?
Wildlife and soil protection
Its evergreen foliage offers nesting and roosting cover; dense stands can give deer escape cover. Birds and mammals eat the fleshy cones. Fibrous roots and evergreen cover can also help protect soil from wind erosion. USDA NRCS recommends eastern redcedar for wildlife plantings and windbreaks. The Forest Service species account and USDA NRCS plant guide document these roles.
Rank #3
- Native Evergreen Tree – Naturally symmetrical form and dense foliage make this cedar ideal for privacy screens or windbreaks in southern landscapes
- Traditional Landscape Element – A regional favorite for adding upright structure and evergreen color to gardens and property lines
- Thrives in Full Sun – Performs well in sandy or well-drained soil types with minimal maintenance once established
- Great for Borders and Screens – Provides a durable and long-lasting option for natural fencing and property boundary planting
- Perfect for Habitat Projects – A top choice for native planting schemes and wildlife-friendly environments across southern regions
Wood and landscape applications
The aromatic heartwood is valued for durability and workability. Documented uses include fenceposts, lumber, paneling, closets and chests, small wood products, and cedarwood oil in fragrance applications. In landscapes, NRCS lists screening and beautification among its uses. These are material and fragrance applications; the cited sources do not establish medical benefits for the tree or its oil. The Forest Service Silvics account describes wood uses.
Choosing and planting eastern redcedar
Its documented uses include windbreaks, wildlife plantings, screens, and ornamental plantings. NRCS recommends putting it in the outer rows of a multi-row windbreak so taller trees do not overtop it. Before planting, weigh the intended use against local conditions and the space available at maturity, and check state or local guidance on suitability and native status. The USDA NRCS guide covers planting uses and windbreak placement.
Rank #4
- Native Evergreen Tree – Naturally symmetrical form and dense foliage make this cedar ideal for privacy screens or windbreaks in southern landscapes
- Traditional Landscape Element – A regional favorite for adding upright structure and evergreen color to gardens and property lines
- Thrives in Full Sun – Performs well in sandy or well-drained soil types with minimal maintenance once established
- Great for Borders and Screens – Provides a durable and long-lasting option for natural fencing and property boundary planting
- Perfect for Habitat Projects – A top choice for native planting schemes and wildlife-friendly environments across southern regions
Propagation
The USDA NRCS guide identifies cuttings as the general propagation method. The species also bears seeds inside its fleshy cones, but the cited guide does not establish a seed-germination treatment, success rate, or evidence that seed is easier or more reliable than cuttings. If buying seed, choose a species-specific growing guide for instructions rather than assuming a generic recipe applies. USDA NRCS plant guide describes propagation and the seed-bearing cones.
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Are the cones edible?
The sources cited here establish that wildlife eat the cones, not that they are safe for people to eat or suitable for medicinal use. Their berry-like appearance is not evidence of human edibility. Do not treat the wildlife-food description as food or health advice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NATIVE SPECIES: Eastern Red Cedar tree seeds perfect for growing hardy evergreen trees that thrive in USDA zones 2-9
- GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS: Mature trees can reach heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 8-20 feet and dense pyramidal shape
- PLANTING GUIDE: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil during fall or early spring for optimal germination results
- VERSATILE USE: Excellent for windbreaks, privacy screens, or ornamental landscaping with year-round deep green foliage
- PACKAGE CONTENTS: Contains 35 fresh Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) seeds ready for planting
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