Eastern red cedar for birds in Kentucky
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to Kentucky, where it feeds or shelters 38 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Kentucky
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Kentucky birds supported
- 38
- Nesting birds among them
- 25
Growing conditions in Kentucky
Humid subtropical, from the Appalachian plateau in the east to the Bluegrass and the Mississippi lowlands in the west.
Hot, humid summers.
Kentucky birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (12)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Pine Warbler, European Starling
Summer breeders (13)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Gray Catbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (13)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Red Crossbill, Palm Warbler, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill
Moderate winters with periodic snow and ice.
Nesting season it supports in Kentucky
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Eastern red cedar:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in Kentucky
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Eastern red cedar native to Kentucky?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Kentucky. Kentucky spans USDA 6a–7b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, Eastern red cedar supports 38 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Kentucky?
25 of those birds nest in Kentucky: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in Kentucky?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Red Crossbill, Palm Warbler, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill use it in Kentucky during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Kentucky
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.