Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Tree

Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana

Eastern Red Cedar form
Eastern Red Cedar form
 
Features
Evergreen needles turning purplish in winter; bluish gray fruit. 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well drained soil; tolerates drought, alkaline pH and salt. 
 
Cultivars
 
 
Mature Height
40-50 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Form
Upright and narrow to pyramidal 
 
Native To:
United States (and Illinois) 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Massing
Screen
Specimen
Wind Break
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Purple
 
 
Pests and Problems
 
Additional Notes
Eastern red cedar is a juniper, not a true cedar; this species is an alternate host for cedar apple rust which can be very damaging to apples, crabapples and hawthorns.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic