Eastern Red Cedar Tree

Juniperus virginiana

Nature Hills Nursery

Native Eastern Red Cedar Thrives in Harsh Conditions: Drought, Salt, and Poor Soil Tolerant
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 40-60 ft Tall, 10-20 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant

$47⁸⁹

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Plant Size

#1 Container | 1-2 ft

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this tree a spot with full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily, to keep the foliage dense and healthy. If planted in too much shade, the branches will become sparse and leggy as they stretch for light.
Soil: Eastern Red Cedars are incredibly adaptable and will thrive in rocky, sandy, or clay soils as long as they drain well. Avoid low spots where water pools, as these trees hate having "wet feet" and can develop root rot in soggy conditions.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once a week during the first year to help the extensive root system establish itself in your landscape. Once settled, these trees are highly drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during extreme dry spells keeps the color vibrant and prevents needle drop.

Pruning Tips

Prune in early spring before new growth begins to shape the tree or remove any broken branches. Avoid cutting back into the bare, brown wood in the center of the plant because junipers cannot generate new growth from old wood. Light shearing helps maintain a denser pyramidal form if desired.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring to support the season's new growth. Stop feeding by mid-summer to prevent late-season tender growth that could be damaged by the first freeze.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Hedge/Screen, Fragrant, Fast-growing
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	40-60 ft
Width	10-20 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Juniperus virginiana
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT

Birds Love Native Eastern Red Cedar Tree

Native Evergreen
Tough, Durable and Drought Resistant
Wildlife Cover and Bird Magnet
Wonderful Texture
Aromatic Wood
Male and Female Trees

The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one tough old native tree that you can respect. You can find it growing in the wilds of North America - from the eastern seaboard all the way through the country, as far west as Texas and north into South Dakota. You'll see these wild trees flourishing in the harshest of conditions.

Hot and dry sites where road salt and open exposed areas won't even make this plant flinch. Air pollution, shallow and rocky soils, and even soils where Black Walnut grows won't affect the Eastern Red Cedar tree. Deer usually pass on this one, too.

If you're a bird-lover, this is the evergreen tree for you. Eastern Redcedar will attract generations of small mammals, songbirds and game, robins, juncos, warblers, cedar waxwing, sparrows, quail, grouse, pheasants, and wild turkeys. They'll happily work on nesting and roosting in the branches.

The bark is reddish-brown and has a shredding nature that is hidden from view but useful for bird nest construction. Tiny, dark blue, berry-like cones produced by the female tree are a valuable food source for many species of birds.

You'll enjoy a range of colors that start with silvery blue to dark green foliage during the growing season. In the fall and winter, it changes to a purplish color that makes a beautiful accent against your home and outbuildings. Embrace that winter color.

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How to Use Eastern Red Cedar Tree in the Landscape

Plant several along your driveway so you can enjoy the rich, cedar aroma as you arrive home and screen off the neighbor at the same time. Kids of all ages love this rugged, earthy fragrance. The scent will easily connect you to the natural world and ground you in a few moments. What a nice transition for you to shake off your workday.

People also love to clip sprigs for use indoors during the holiday season. They make wonderful wreaths or cut boughs for an invigorating bouquet.

Woodworkers take note. The dark red heartwood is easy to work with, is rot-resistant, and weathers beautifully. It is the wood used to make cedar chests.

Eastern Red Cedar grows with a dense and shaggy texture, but the plants are mostly pyramidal in shape. They look their best if allowed to grow in their natural form. It's a fantastic look for a rustic or contemporary property.

Use these pyramidal Christmas tree-shaped screenings, windbreaks, and shelterbelts, or even a specimen plant for open areas with full sun or partial sun. Try them at the edge of more formal gardens, too, in a sly nod to the transition between manicured and wilderness.

Be sure to include seating nearby, as these trees will deliver incredible bird-watching opportunities.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Red Cedar will grow in almost any dry or moist soil with only one exception... they hate soil that is consistently wet. Once established with a bit of careful attention to water, the plants will become completely self-sufficient and have high drought tolerance.

Hardy and easy to transplant, the Eastern Red Cedar is a low-maintenance tree that will adapt to almost any conditions and provide you with years of enjoyment. While not true Cedars, Eastern Red Cedars are just as aromatic and similar in appearance.

Please note that Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to stop shipments into areas where this tree does a little "too well." It's also best to plant this tree at least 500 feet away from Apple trees to prevent potential Cedar-Apple rust. (Nothing should get in the way of a good Apple crop!)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do Eastern Red Cedar trees grow?

Eastern Red Cedar trees are slow to moderate growers, typically adding 12-24 inches per year once established. These native evergreens focus their energy on developing deep root systems and dense foliage rather than rapid height gain. Plant in full sun for best growth rates.

What is the mature height of Eastern Red Cedar trees?

Eastern Red Cedar trees typically reach 30-40 feet tall at maturity, though they can grow up to 50 feet in ideal conditions. These native evergreens grow slowly but steadily, adding 12-24 inches per year. Plan for adequate spacing when planting, as mature trees spread 8-20 feet wide. Shop at Nature Hills for quality specimens.

How much sun does Eastern Red Cedar need?

Eastern Red Cedar thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade remarkably well. This tough native adapts to harsh, exposed sites where many other evergreens struggle. Plant it in your sunniest spots for fastest growth and densest foliage development.

Is Eastern Red Cedar drought-tolerant?

Yes, Eastern Red Cedar is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in harsh, dry conditions. This tough native evergreen naturally grows across North America in challenging sites where other trees struggle. Once established, it requires minimal watering and performs well in poor, rocky soils.

Is Eastern Red Cedar deer-resistant?

Yes, Eastern Red Cedar is deer-resistant - deer typically avoid this native evergreen. The aromatic foliage and tough texture naturally deter browsing. Plant it as a reliable screening tree in areas where deer pressure is high, available at naturehills.com.

Does it require pruning?

Eastern Red Cedar requires minimal pruning due to its naturally attractive shape. This tough native maintains good form on its own in most landscapes. Light pruning in late winter can shape young trees if needed, and you can clip sprigs for aromatic indoor use anytime.

Can it tolerate poor soil conditions?

Eastern Red Cedar thrives in poor soils where other trees fail, including shallow, rocky ground and areas with black walnut. This native tolerates road salt, air pollution, and drought conditions without issue. Plant it in your most challenging spots for reliable evergreen coverage.

Does it require fertilizer?

Eastern Red Cedar thrives in poor soils and harsh conditions without fertilizer. This tough native adapts to shallow, rocky soils and even areas with road salt. Skip the fertilizer and let this drought-resistant tree flourish naturally in your landscape.