How to Grow Red Cedar
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Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
treeRed cedar is a coniferous evergreen tree native to eastern North America, prized for its fragrant reddish-brown heartwood and attractive foliage that ranges from blue-green to deep green. Despite its common name, it is actually a juniper species, not a true cedar. It grows as a dense, columnar or pyramidal tree and is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
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Example Red Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Cedar
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 Red Cedar
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; most vigorous in zones 4-8
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Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung sapling with slow initial growth; foliage is soft and feathery; root system establishing
Water regularly during first year to encourage deep root development; mulch around base; protect from harsh winter winds if in colder zones
Active Growth
3-8 yearsTree grows more vigorously with stronger branch structure; foliage becomes more dense and mature in color (blue-green to dark green)
Minimal watering needed after second year; prune only to remove dead or crossing branches; allow natural form to develop
Maturation
8-15 yearsTree reaches desired ornamental size and shape; may begin producing berry-like cones (modified seed cones); heartwood develops characteristic red color
Maintain with minimal pruning; remove any dead branches; tree becomes fully drought-tolerant
Full Maturity
15+ yearsLarge specimen tree with dense, attractive foliage; consistently produces blue berry-like cones; wood develops deep fragrant heartwood
No watering needed; prune only for safety or shaping; monitor for pests; wood can be harvested for cedar products
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; ensure adequate moisture
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Hand-pick bags in late fall/early winter; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray in early summer
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Keep tree healthy and well-watered to resist attack; remove severely infested trees
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Prune infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in early spring or dormant season
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Prune out infected branches; sterilize pruning tools; improve air circulation
Uses
Cedar wood for closets and storage
HouseholdThe fragrant heartwood is naturally moth-repellent and used for cedar chests, closets, and drawer liners. The characteristic cedar scent comes from volatile oils including cedrene and thujopsene. [source]
Lumber and woodworking
CraftRed cedar's fine-grained, durable wood is prized for outdoor applications including fence posts, siding, and furniture. It resists decay and insect damage naturally. [source]
Essential oil extraction
HouseholdFoliage and heartwood are distilled to produce cedarwood oil used in perfumery, soaps, and aromatherapy products. [source]
Food and shelter for birds
WildlifeThe blue-colored berry-like cones are consumed by cedar waxwings, robins, and other birds; dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat. [source]
Traditional herbal remedies
MedicinalHistorically used in Native American medicine and traditional practices; cedar oil and leaf extracts have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For ornamental use, red cedar's primary value is the living tree. For wood harvesting, allow tree to reach 15-20+ years maturity for sufficient heartwood development. Branches can be cut year-round for arrangements or crafts; prune in late winter to spring to promote dense growth. Berry-like cones (actually modified seeds) can be collected in fall for wildlife value or craft use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Red Cedar,' Juniperus virginiana is actually a juniper, not a true cedar. True cedars (Cedrus genus) are native to the Mediterranean, Himalayas, and North Africa.
- 🌱 The wood contains a natural compound called thujone that repels moths and other insects, making it prized for storing clothing without synthetic chemicals.
- 🌱 Red cedar trees can live for 300+ years, with some specimens in the eastern United States exceeding 400 years old; the oldest known specimen is over 500 years old.
Gardening Terms
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