Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar is the most drought-resistant of all native trees in the east, and an attractive, upright small evergreen tree with diverse uses in the garden. Growing typically to around 30 feet, with a short trunk and narrow crown, it makes an attractive specimen on a lawn or slope, and can be grown naturally or clipped as needed. The dense, blue-green foliage turns purple-green in winter, and is often decorated with many clusters of dark-turquoise ‘berries’. It can be used as screen or windbreak, and takes severe winds, storms, very low temperatures, and drought. Ideal for low-water planting, this valuable tree can be a key component in planting difficult sites, and for adapting your garden to changes in your local climate.

• Attractive upright form with dense evergreen foliage
• Clusters of turquoise ‘berries’ in fall and winter on female trees
• Leaves turn purple-green in winter
• Very resistant to harsh environmental conditions
• Valuable as a specimen or for screening

Grow the Eastern Red Cedar in full sun, but it will tolerate a little shade too. Hardy even in zone 2, but resists summer heat, drought and humidity too. Grows in any soil, from dry, rocky earth to areas that are often wet. Generally free of serious pest or disease problems, and not eaten by deer. Moderate to fast growth rate. Water regularly for the first one or two growing seasons if planting on difficult sites. Can be trimmed as needed, from spring to early fall, but don’t cut back to bare branches as it won’t resprout.