EASTERN REDCEDAR
Juniperus virginiana

Height: 15-20' +
Width: 8-12'
Hardiness Zone: 3
Exposure: sun
Origin: East and central North America. East of the Rocky Mountains.

Description:

Eastern Redcedar trees are pyramidal in shape. The green foliage develops a purple to brownish cast in winter. Sexes are separate. Female trees produce small blue fruits. Selected cultivars are usually smaller and more dense in growth habit. Seedling grown trees can be used as a windbreak in tough sites. Cultivars selected for superior form are better for use in landscapes.

Photo shows winter color of Juniperus virginiana in natural habitat

Site and Cultural Requirements:

Requires a well drained soil for best growth. Tolerates dry, rocky soils and adaptable to a wide range of soil pH. Becomes quite open and leggy in shady sites.

Insect/Disease Issues:

Susceptible to cedar-apple rust. Serves as the alternate host for this disease which can then affect apple, crabapple and hawthorn trees. The disease produces galls which open to form a orange gelatinous mass when spores are shed in spring or early summer. The disease does not seriously affect the health of the Juniper trees.

Cultivars:

‘Canaertii’ -has a pyramidal form with bright green foliage. Female form.
‘Grey Owl’ -low growing, widespreading form with silvery-gray foliage.Female form.
‘Hillii’ -dense, pyramidal form turning purplish in winter.
‘Hillspire’ -symmetrical conical habit with bright green foliage. Male form.
‘Taylor’ -narrow, upright form with medium green foliage with graycast. Darkens in winter.

 

We would like to thank the Landscape Plant Development Center and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for the botanical information and photos.

Open 9:00 AM until Sunset
Closed Mondays, open holidays
Phone: (515)-992-4211
Email: info@thebrentonarboretum.org