Cedar-Red (Deer Resistant) (BP) (AX)
At a Glance
Latin Name: Juniperus virginiana
Zones: 2-9
Other common names: eastern red cedar, red juniper, Savin, aromatic cedar, pencil cedar
Mature Height and Spread: Red Cedar may grow up to 50 ft. high and have an 8-20 ft. spread
Soil/climate: tolerant of a wide variety of soils: acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, sandy, rich, clay, silty loam, and well drained. Tolerates drought well. Sun lover that grows best in open areas. Full sun is recommended with at least six hours of direct sunlight
Notes: Eastern Red Cedar is considered a very fast grower in central to southern US states but can be a slow grower in colder climates or poor soils. Red cedar trees have a very wide native range from the deep south to well into Canada. Scale-like foliage on transplants and mature trees is prickly to the touch.
The timber has a pleasant smell and is prized for its resistance to rot.
Red Cedar fruit is gray or bluish-green, 1/4″ in diameter and resembles a berry, but is a cone. Transplant 5-8 feet apart to create a dense visual block. Conical in shape. The Red Cedar cones are used to flavor gin. Commonly called pencil cedar as it was used in the pencil industry for over a century until supplies became depleted.
Wildlife: Seed is eaten by turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, pheasant, and many more birds.
-Spring planting best, fall planting not recommended
-Brine tolerant
-Wetland tolerant, preferred habitat
-Deer resistant
Transplant Purchase Size: 12-18 in.
Seedling Purchase Size: 6-12 in.
USDA NRCS Species Information