Juniperus virginiana, commonly called Eastern red cedar, is a broadly conical, sometimes columnar, dense, evergreen conifer with horizontal branching. It typically grows to 40-50��� tall with a diameter of 1-2'. Its gray- to reddish-brown bark exfoliates in thin, shreddy strips on mature trees. Its trunks are often fluted at the base. The heartwood is light brown and aromatic, contrasted by the white sapwood, and is commonly used for cedar chests. The wood is also often used to make fence posts and rails as it is naturally rot resistant. It also repels insects, lending to its appeal for use in clothing storage and pet bedding. The Eastern red cedar is easily grown in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It will tolerate a wide range of soils and growing conditions, from swamps to dry rocky glades. It can even grow on seemingly barren soils that few other plants can tolerate. It prefers moist soils but is intolerant of constantly wet soils. It only tolerates the shade when it is extremely young. It has the best drought resistance of any conifer native to the eastern U.S.
This tree is an easy to transplant, tough, dependable tree, but considered weedy by many gardeners. It is highly salt tolerant. This colorful tree needs airy space to grow. It makes an excellent specimen and does well in a grouping or as a screen. We grow and ship in 4 1/2" (quart) pots. Plants are approx 18-20" tall
