Better known as Juniperus virginiana, the Eastern red cedar tree is a native North American tree species that is naturally found from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, extending west to the Great Plains. While not a true cedar (as it is in the Cypress famly and the Juniperus genus), this beautiful evergreen tree has been known as a cedar primarily due to it's natural red heartwood color and fragrant odor. It also has excellent rot resistance like many true cedar trees, making it an excellent choice for fence posts. Of course the color and fragrance make it desirable for cedar lined closets and chests. Eastern red cedar trees can be very long lived, with the oldest reported tree being about 795 years old.

Tolerant of various soils, the Eastern red cedar will grow at a slow to medium rate to heights of upwards to 50 feet. Due to it's natural columar growth habit, these make an excellent hedge row or wind break. Recommended planting distance between each tree is about 6 feet. Prefers full sun. Grows best in Zones 2-9.