Key Facts
- Native evergreen conifer of eastern North America
- Foliage is scale like and the species is usually dioecious
- Produces fleshy berry like cones used by many bird species
- Very adaptable to poor, dry, and rocky soils
- Commonly used for windbreaks, hedges, and wildlife cover
- Can invade open grasslands and outcompete native prairie species
- Slow to moderate growth rate depending on site
- Tolerant of alkaline soils and urban conditions
Eastern Red Cedar is a native evergreen conifer used for windbreaks, hedges and wildlife cover, valued for tolerance of poor, dry and alkaline soils. It grows best in full sun and can naturalize into open areas, so plan location and spacing to balance screening value with its tendency to spread.
Identification
Foliage is scale like and the species is usually dioecious, with male and female structures on separate plants. Female plants produce fleshy, berry like cones that attract many bird species. Typical landscape specimens reach roughly 30 to 50 feet tall with a narrower crown, and unpruned trees develop a broader, conical form over time.
Where to grow and best uses
Hardy across USDA zones 2 through 9 it tolerates a wide climate range and urban conditions. Use Eastern Red Cedar for windbreaks, privacy hedges and wildlife cover where a durable evergreen screen is needed. Keep in mind its ability to spread into open grasslands and outcompete prairie species when planting near natural areas.
Planting and spacing
Space plants to match their mature spread which typically ranges from about 8 to 20 feet depending on form and cultivar. Narrow, columnar selections can be planted closer, while trees intended as screens should be set at the wider end of the spacing range. Time planting for a period when soil is workable so roots can begin to establish before seasonal extremes.
Soil, light and watering
Eastern Red Cedar prefers well drained soils and readily tolerates dry, rocky, sandy and alkaline conditions, but it declines on poorly drained or waterlogged sites. Full sun promotes dense foliage while shade causes thinning and legginess. Expect a tree adapted to drier sites; avoid prolonged waterlogging and supply supplemental water during extended drought to maintain foliage density.
Maintenance and control
Growth rate is slow to moderate depending on site, which makes long term form predictable for windbreaks and hedges. Prune to shape or rejuvenate hedges in late winter or early spring before active growth. Remove seedlings and saplings around edges to prevent unwanted naturalizing in grasslands and prairies where it can outcompete native plants.
Wildlife value and toxicity
Female cones are an important food source for many bird species and the tree provides year round cover. Foliage and berries contain volatile compounds that can cause digestive upset if consumed in quantity and heavy consumption by livestock can be harmful. Guidance on pet toxicity is mixed so verify with local poison control or authoritative sources before advising pet owners.
Propagation
Propagate Eastern Red Cedar by seed or semi hard wood cuttings. Cuttings treated with rooting hormone root reliably and preserve cultivar traits, while seed produces variable offspring. Follow local extension recommendations for timing and technique to improve rooting and germination success for your climate and chosen propagation method.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Eastern Red Cedar grow?
- Growth is generally slow to moderate and varies with soil, moisture and light. Expect slower growth on poor, dry sites and somewhat faster development in richer, well drained locations.
- How tall does Eastern Red Cedar get?
- Typical landscape specimens reach about 30 to 50 feet tall, though some trees can grow taller in ideal sites and certain cultivars remain smaller.
- Is Eastern Red Cedar invasive?
- It can invade open grasslands and outcompete native prairie species, particularly where grazing or fire regimes are altered, so control seedlings near natural areas.
- What soil does it prefer?
- It prefers well drained soils and tolerates dry, rocky, sandy and alkaline conditions but performs poorly on waterlogged sites.
- Are the berries or foliage poisonous to pets?
- Foliage and berries contain volatile oils that can cause digestive upset in quantity and livestock are at risk from heavy consumption. Conflicting guidance exists for pets; check with poison control or ASPCA resources for specifics.
- How should I propagate it?
- Use seed for genetic diversity or semi hard wood cuttings with rooting hormone to preserve cultivar traits; follow local extension protocols for best results.
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