How to Grow and Care for Eastern red cedar

Eastern red cedar, also known as Red juniper, Virginian juniper, Aromatic cedar, Pencil cedar, Carolina cedar, Mountain cedar

Eastern red cedar is a hardy and adaptable species making it relatively easy to care for. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soils, while being drought-tolerant once established. Special care points include avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot, and ensuring sufficient space for growth to maintain its natural shape without the need for pruning.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Eastern red cedar

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	3-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Varieties of Eastern red cedar

Eastern red cedar 'Grey Owl'

Eastern red cedar 'Grey Owl' is a shrubby juniper named for its silvery foliage. This juniper only grows to about 61 to 91 cm tall and has a spread of 1.2 to 1.8 m. Birds love the dark purple berries that eastern red cedar 'Grey Owl' produces.

Eastern red cedar 'Glauca'

Eastern red cedar 'Glauca' is a columnar cedar that grows up to 8 m and has an 2.5 m spread. The name ‘Glauca’ refers to the foliage that changes from silver-blue to blue-green throughout the year. Eastern red cedar 'Glauca' produces dark purple berries that are covered in white wax which are a favorite to many birds.

Common Pests & Diseases

Feedback

Common issues for Eastern red cedar based on 10 million real cases

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

The Toxicity of Eastern red cedar

Feedback

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

More General Info About Eastern red cedar

Feedback

Quickly Identify Eastern red cedar

Feedback

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Eastern red cedar exhibits distinct bark that peels away in elongated strips, varying in color from grayish to a reddish-brown hue. The foliage presents as scale leaves arranged in four rows, featuring a characteristic blue-green to sage green coloration in warmer months shifting to a bronze or yellow-brown during winter. Its leaves have small, oval-shaped depressions on the underside. The male cones of eastern red cedar appear at the tips of branches, displaying a noticeable yellow color, whereas the female cones take on a blue, frost-like appearance and are approximately 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) in size. Juvenile leaves are awl-shaped and tend to grow in pairs.