Eastern Red Cedar Data Sheet

• Common name: Eastern red cedar

• Latin name: Juniperus Virginiana

• Genus: Cupressaceae

• Height: 27 m (89 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 2–9

• Conservation status: Least concern

Juniperus virginiana, commonly known as the Eastern red cedar, is a conifer native to the United States. Its range extends across almost all states and south east Canada.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, mostly from 100 m (328 ft) to 2,700 m (8,850 ft).

The eastern red cedar is a small to medium sized evergreen, reaching a height of 27 m (89 ft). The trunk diameter can exceed 1 m. The bark is orange - brown and formed in a strip like pattern. The needles / leaves are scale like and 5 mm long. needle colour is medium to dark green. The cones are spherical and 6 mm in diameter and take 8 months to ripen.

It can live up to 800 years.

The eastern red cedar is closely related to the Rocky mountain juniper, which shares many of its characteristics.

This species produces a rot resistant hard timber. It is a fantastic ornamental tree and a good wind break.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Keep seedlings in a bright, well-ventilated area such as a windowsill to avoid damping off disease. Ensure seedlings never dry out or become waterlogged. These seedlings are large and sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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