How to Grow Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana

tree

Eastern Red Cedar is a slow-growing, evergreen conifer native to eastern North America, despite its common name referring to a juniper rather than a true cedar. It displays fragrant, feathery blue-green foliage and produces small blue berry-like cones that are valuable to wildlife. The heartwood is prized for its aromatic, insect-resistant properties and is traditionally used in closets and furniture.

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Brodie Taylor Emerald Green Canaertii Degroot's Spire Silver Spreader

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but develops denser foliage in full sun

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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established. Water regularly during first 1-2 years after planting; drought-tolerant thereafter. Prefers drier conditions and is sensitive to waterlogged soils.

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Spacing: 120-240 inches

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Days to maturity: Several years to reach landscape size; 15-20 years for full maturity

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the trunk collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; extremely adaptable to poor, rocky, or clayey soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or gravel for heavy clay soils Composted bark for structure Lime for acidic soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2b-9a, highly adaptable across a wide range of climates

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

1-2 years

Tiny seedlings with delicate, feathery juvenile foliage in blue-green color

Protect from harsh conditions; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Keep in nursery bed or container for 1-2 years before field planting.

Young Tree

3-5 years

Develops pyramidal or columnar form with soft, thread-like foliage; reaches 3-6 feet

Water during dry spells; avoid overwatering. Stake if necessary in windy locations. Minimal pruning needed; remove only damaged or crossing branches.

Establishing

5-15 years

Transition to more mature scale form; foliage becomes denser and more gray-green; 6-20 feet tall

Once established, reduce watering frequency. Apply 2-3 inch mulch layer (keep away from trunk). Prune only for shape or to remove dead wood.

Mature

15+ years

Full-sized tree 40-50 feet tall (some cultivars smaller); dense foliage; produces abundant blue cones

Established trees are largely self-sufficient. Remove dead or diseased branches. No fertilization needed. Excellent wildlife habitat.

Reproduction

Continuous in mature trees

Produces small blue waxy cones (arils) consumed by birds; male trees produce pollen in spring

Allow natural cone development. Female trees provide superior wildlife value. Some cultivars are male-only for reduced pollen.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Serviceberry Redbud Black Locust Prairie Blazing Star Little Bluestem Butterfly Weed Coneflower Sumac species

Avoid planting near:

Apple trees Crabapple trees Hawthorn Serviceberry Quince

Common Pests

Remove affected branches; ensure good air circulation. Avoid planting near apple/crabapple trees which are alternate hosts. No chemical treatment needed for the cedar host.
Hand-pick and destroy bags in winter/early spring. Prune infested branches. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray in early summer when worms are young.
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Increase humidity around tree. Horticultural oil spray if severe.
Remove and destroy infected branches. Improve tree vigor through proper watering and drainage. Disinfect pruning tools between cuts.
Improve soil drainage; avoid overwatering. Ensure mulch does not contact trunk. May be irreversible if severe.

Uses

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Aromatic heartwood for closets and furniture

Craft

The heartwood naturally repels moths and insects due to cedrene compounds, making it traditionally used to line closets, hope chests, and drawers. It also makes beautiful, fragrant furniture and decorative items. [source]

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Essential oil and aromatherapy

Household

Cedar oil distilled from the wood is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and cleaning products. It has antimicrobial and insect-repellent properties valued in natural home care products. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Historically used in Native American and folk medicine for respiratory support and as a diuretic. Modern use is primarily in aromatherapy and herbal preparations, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]

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Superior wildlife habitat and food source

Wildlife

Produces abundant blue cones (arils) that are a major food source for cedar waxwings, robins, and other birds. Provides year-round shelter and nesting sites for numerous species. [source]

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Erosion control and land stabilization

Environmental

Deep root system stabilizes hillsides and prevents erosion; naturally colonizes rocky, marginal lands. Excellent for reclamation projects and sustainable landscaping. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Eastern Red Cedar is not harvested for culinary purposes. For aromatic wood: fell at maturity and age for several years before use in crafts, furniture, or closet liners. Cones are left for wildlife. Branches can be harvested for holiday decorations or wreaths in winter.

Fun Facts

🌱 Despite its name, Eastern Red Cedar is actually a juniper, not a true cedar; it was misnamed by early colonists who thought its fragrant wood resembled cedar.
🌱 The tree's common name 'red' refers to the reddish heartwood, not the foliage; some cultivars display reddish-purple winter coloration.
🌱 A single mature tree can produce enough blue waxy cones in a season to feed entire flocks of cedar waxwings and robins migrating through the region.

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