How to Grow Eastern Redcedar

Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

tree

Eastern Redcedar is a native North American conifer that is actually a juniper species, not a true cedar. It grows as a pyramidal or columnar evergreen tree reaching 40-50 feet tall, featuring fragrant, feathery foliage and blue, berry-like cones. The wood is naturally aromatic and decay-resistant, making it highly valued for lumber, furniture, and closet lining.

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Low water needs once established; drought tolerant. Water regularly during first 2-3 years to establish deep roots. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

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Spacing: 120-240 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable; reaches full ornamental size in 20-30 years

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Planting depth: Plant with top of root ball level with ground; do not bury collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or rocky soil; tolerates poor, dry, and alkaline soils

pH: 6.0-8.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Limestone in acidic soils Minimal organic matter needed

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

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

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 years

Young seedlings or transplants with small pyramidal form and fine, soft foliage

Water regularly during first 2-3 years; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base; protect from strong winds; stake if necessary

Juvenile Growth

5-10 years

Tree develops its characteristic shape, foliage becomes more feathery and fragrant, form becomes more defined

Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or diseased branches; reduce watering frequency as roots deepen

Maturation

15+ years

Tree reaches 30-50 feet with full pyramidal or columnar form, dense foliage, and abundant blue berry-like cones appear

Minimal maintenance; prune selectively for structure; tolerate heat and drought; monitor for cedar-apple rust if flowering crabs nearby

Cone Production

Annual, starting around 8-10 years

Female trees produce distinctive blue, waxy, berry-like cones that mature in 2 years; cones attract wildlife

No special care needed; cones contribute to wildlife food; male trees produce pollen cones that may cause allergies

Senescence

50+ years

Trees continue vigorous growth for 100+ years; heartwood develops rich color, wood becomes highly aromatic and decay-resistant

Remove fallen branches; monitor for storm damage; wood becomes increasingly valuable with age

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Eastern Dogwood Black Cherry American Beech Oak species Serviceberry Crabapple Blueberry Juniper species

Avoid planting near:

Flowering crabapple (cedar-apple rust risk) Hawthorn (rust host) Quince (rust host) Apple trees (rust host)

Common Pests

Avoid planting near apple or crabapple trees; remove infected twigs; fungicide spray in spring if necessary
Spray with water to dislodge; insecticidal soap; avoid stress; rarely serious on established trees
Minimal treatment needed; damage usually cosmetic; prune affected branches
Hand-pick bags in winter; prune affected branches; Bt spray in early summer if severe
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering; improve drainage if needed; remove infected trees

Uses

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Aromatic wood products

Household

The fragrant heartwood is naturally moth-repellent and decay-resistant, making it ideal for closet linings, cedar chests, furniture, and wood products. The essential oils provide long-lasting aromatic protection. [source]

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Lumber and fine woodworking

Craft

Eastern Redcedar produces durable, beautiful heartwood prized for furniture, fence posts, decorative boxes, and fine wood products. The wood ages beautifully and becomes more aromatic over time. [source]

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Wildlife food and habitat

Wildlife

Female trees produce abundant blue, waxy cones that provide food for songbirds, squirrels, and other wildlife. The dense, columnar form provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small animals. [source]

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Traditional herbal uses

Medicinal

Native Americans and herbalists traditionally used Eastern Redcedar foliage and wood in steam treatments, teas, and preparations for respiratory health and immune support, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]

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Ornamental landscaping

Household

The attractive pyramidal form, year-round green foliage, and low-maintenance nature make Eastern Redcedar an excellent evergreen screen, windbreak, or specimen tree for residential and commercial landscapes. [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 Redcedar is not harvested in the traditional vegetable sense. For ornamental use, harvest cones in fall-winter when blue and fully mature for decoration or wildlife food. Wood can be harvested for lumber and crafts from mature trees; aromatic heartwood improves with age. Foliage can be clipped year-round for fresh arrangements, releasing pleasant fragrance.

Fun Facts

🌱 Despite its common name, Eastern Redcedar is actually a juniper (Juniperus virginiana), not a true cedar. The confusing name comes from early colonists who named it for its fragrant reddish heartwood.
🌱 The wood is so decay-resistant and aromatic that it has been used in pencil manufacturing and was historically used for closet lining and furniture to protect against moths and insects without synthetic chemicals.
🌱 Eastern Redcedar can live for 300+ years and was historically harvested so extensively for its valuable wood that it is now rarely found in old-growth form in its native habitat, though it has made a comeback in modern times as wildlife habitat.

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