Eastern red cedar is highly beneficial for birds and other wildlife. Male trees release pollen March through May. Female trees produce berry-like, waxy, blue cones in fall. The "berries" are eaten by many birds, such as cedar waxwings, quail, turkeys, grackles, and blue jays, as well as by bears, foxes, chipmunks and others. Dense, evergreen foliage is also valuable to wildlife for shelter, roosting, and nesting. The foliage is eaten by a surprising number of insects, which provide another source of nutrition for birds.
The heartwood is resistant to rot and makes long-lasting fence posts. Moths avoid the aromatic oils of eastern red cedar which is why it is used in cedar chests and closets. This is a fairly long-lived tree; one of the oldest specimens was found in southeastern Missouri to be 795 years old.
Uses: Windbreaks, screens, ornamental, wildlife, birds, furniture, medicinal
Bloom time: March - May
Height: 30 to 60 feet
Space: 10 to 20 feet
Sun: Full sun to medium shade
Moisture: Dry to moist
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