Juniperus virginiana

Eastern Red Cedar

A durable, native evergreen tree with a dense, pyramidal form when young, maturing to a more open, irregular silhouette with age. Juniperus virginiana features aromatic, scale-like blue-green foliage that often takes on bronze to purplish tones in winter. Female plants produce small, powdery blue berry-like cones that add ornamental interest and are highly valued by wildlife. Its rugged adaptability allows it to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including poor soils and exposed sites.

Type: Evergreen tree (native conifer)
Mature Size: 30–50' wide × 40–60' tall
USDA Zones: 2a–9b

Form: Pyramidal when young, becoming irregular with age

Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable; tolerates poor, dry, rocky, or clay soils
Water: Low to moderate; very drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Berries feed birds (cedar waxwings, robins); dense cover for birds and small mammals

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for windbreaks, screens, and naturalized plantings. Highly tolerant of drought, heat, wind, and urban conditions. Useful for wildlife habitat and restoration projects. Aromatic wood and foliage; deer resistant.

Care: Very low maintenance. Prune only if needed to shape when young. Avoid overly wet soils. Can develop cedar-apple rust, so consider placement away from apples or crabapples if disease is a concern.








 

Plant type

Evergreen Tree

Height

40-60'

Width

30-50'

Hardiness zones

2–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Foundation, Privacy Screen

Shape

irregular, Pyramidal

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes