A mature Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Specimen · Naturalized · Woodland · Butterfly · Childrens · Drought tolerant · Native · Pollinator

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana · Conifer

Eastern Red Cedar is a moderate-growing conifer, hardy in USDA zones 2-9, that matures to about 30–65 ft × 8–25 ft. It does best in full sun with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. It attracts butterflies, moths and pollinators, stands up well to deer and drought and poor soil.

USDA zones: 2-9
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low
Mature size: 30–65 ft × 8–25 ft
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet
Attracts: Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Deer, Drought, Poor soil, Salt
Toxic to: People
Native to: Eastern North America

Will it survive your winters?

We score Eastern Red Cedar’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9