Quick answer: Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native to 36 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register 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
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