How to Grow Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor'
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Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor'
Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor'
treeEastern Red Cedar 'Taylor' is a narrow, columnar evergreen conifer native to eastern North America, prized for its tight, pencil-like form and blue-gray foliage. Despite its common name, it is actually a juniper, not a true cedar. This cultivar is exceptionally narrow, making it ideal for small spaces and formal landscapes.
When should you plant Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor' in your zone?
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Example Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Eastern Red Cedar 'Taylor' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung sapling with narrow columnar form beginning to develop; foliage is bright blue-gray to gray-green
Water deeply and regularly (2-3 times weekly). Mulch around base. Stake if in windy location. Avoid transplanting.
Early Growth
2-4 yearsPlant reaches 8-15 feet tall; columnar form becomes more pronounced; foliage thickens slightly
Reduce watering frequency as root system deepens. Light pruning to maintain shape if needed. Monitor for spider mites in dry conditions.
Mature Development
5+ yearsTree reaches 15-25 feet tall (depending on cultivar specifics); dense, narrow columnar silhouette with fine-textured gray-blue foliage
Minimal pruning needed; only remove dead or crossing branches. No fertilization required. Drought tolerant once established.
Full Maturity
Ongoing; can live 50+ yearsFully developed narrow columnar form; may produce small blue berry-like cones (modified seed cones); foliage color may deepen in winter
Prune only for shaping or to remove dead wood. Extremely low maintenance. Tolerates neglect well.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; increase humidity; ensure adequate moisture
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Hand-pick bags in winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early summer when larvae are small
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Prune heavily infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season or insecticidal soap in growing season
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Remove galls in winter; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; no fungicide needed for trees
Uses
Aromatic wood for closets and storage
HouseholdEastern red cedar wood and foliage contain cedarwood oil with insecticidal properties, traditionally used to line closets and protect clothing from moths. The aromatic heartwood is prized for its natural pest-repelling qualities. [source]
Food and shelter for birds and wildlife
WildlifeThe blue berry-like cones attract cedar waxwings, robins, and other birds that consume the seeds and disperse them. Dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalHistorically used as a tea or steam inhalation for respiratory conditions and congestion. The wood and leaves contain volatile oils with antimicrobial properties. [source]
Pencil-form specimen for formal landscaping
CraftThe narrow, columnar 'Taylor' cultivar is prized for creating living screens, accent plants, and vertical structure in formal gardens, topiaries, and contemporary landscapes. [source]
Windbreak and privacy screening
HouseholdDense evergreen foliage and narrow growth habit make it excellent for creating natural windbreaks and privacy screens while taking up minimal lateral space. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not applicable; this is an ornamental tree. Prune branches for floral arrangements in winter. Remove dead or diseased wood as needed year-round. Best pruning window is late winter/early spring before growth begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'Cedar,' Eastern Red Cedar is actually a juniper (Juniperus virginiana), not a true cedar. The name comes from early European settlers who mistook it for cedars they knew in Europe.
- 🌱 The 'Taylor' cultivar is exceptionally narrow—sometimes only 2-3 feet wide at maturity—making it one of the narrowest columnar evergreens available for gardens, perfect for tight urban spaces.
- 🌱 Cedar-apple rust is a fascinating fungus that alternates between juniper/cedar and apple trees, requiring both species to complete its life cycle; removing cedar galls in winter helps break this cycle.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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