Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Juniperus virginiana

Normally a small, early successional tree, eastern red-cedar, also called red cedar, red juniper, can be long-lived if not overtopped and shaded. A common coniferous species throughout the eastern half of the United States, red-cedar can grow on a variety of sites and it's wood is valued because of its beauty, durability, and workability. It provides oil for fragrances, food and shelter for wildlife, provides erosion control, and winter interest.

Origin: Native

Current Sale Size: 10-16", bare root seedling

Growth Rate: Slow (Less than 6"/yr) to Moderate (6"-12"/yr)

Soils: Shallow rocky, Sand, Loam, Clay

Moisture: Moist to Dry (drought tolerant)

Shade Tolerance: Full Sun

Mature Height: 30-45 ft

Mature Spread: 8-25 ft

Deer Damage Potential: Low

Uses: Winter interest, windbreaks, wildlife habitat, erosion control, fragrance, drought tolerant

Special Notes: alternate host for cedar-apple rust (avoid planting near apples); Sometimes consider aggressive since no longer controlled by fire in native landscapes; Flammable (avoid planting near buildings)

Visit for more information:

USDA Plant Guide (PDF)

USDA USFS Juniperus virginiana

U-M Herbarium - Michigan Flora

American Conifer Society