An upright evergreen with scale-like leaves that have a distinct fragrance when crushed or brushed. Plants are usually densely pyramidal when young. Small berrylike cones form in late summer and persist through winter. These blue fruits are about 1/8 in. across and very attractive. Birds, especially waxwings, love the fruit.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Cliff
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Cover, Food/Birds, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
40 to
50
feet
Spread:
8 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 40 to
50
feet
Spread: 8 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 40 to
50
feet
Spread: 8 to
20
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in windbreaks, hedgerows, shelterbelts and as a backdrop for bird gardens.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Plant in full sun. Tolerates poor, rocky soil and wind. Very few native evergreen trees. Valuable for screening and providing winter interest.
Special Features
Evergreen
Special Usage
Fragrant, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.