Quick answer: Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native to 37 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry |
| Soil | Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, rocky, limestone-based, caliche |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | 30-40 ft, up to 90 ft |
| Wildlife value | Berries eaten by wildlife including cedar waxwing, nesting material and cover, attracts birds/butterflies |
Fleshy cones (resembling berries) and leaves: low toxicity when ingested; large amounts may cause diarrhea. Toxic principle: volatile oils including thujone
none noted (alternate host for cedar-apple rust, injurious to apple orchards — disease vector, not invasive designation)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Eastern red cedar
Where is Eastern red cedar native?
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native to 37 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern red cedar bloom?
Eastern red cedar blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern red cedar need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Dry. Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, rocky, limestone-based, caliche. Mature height: 30-40 ft, up to 90 ft.
Is Eastern red cedar good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Berries eaten by wildlife including cedar waxwing, nesting material and cover, attracts birds/butterflies.
Is Eastern red cedar deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern red cedar is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Eastern red cedar toxic?
Fleshy cones (resembling berries) and leaves: low toxicity when ingested; large amounts may cause diarrhea. Toxic principle: volatile oils including thujone.
Where can I buy real Eastern red cedar seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Juniperus virginiana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern red cedar.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- American basswood Tilia americana
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
Also listed under
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