Eastern red cedar for birds in Louisiana
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to Louisiana, where it feeds or shelters 40 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Louisiana
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 8a–10a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Louisiana birds supported
- 40
- Nesting birds among them
- 26
Growing conditions in Louisiana
Humid subtropical, with coastal marsh, bottomland hardwood forest and piney uplands in the north.
Very hot, humid summers and hurricane season June–November.
Louisiana birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (17)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, European Starling, Gray Catbird, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (9)
Orchard Oriole, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-throated Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (14)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Red Crossbill, Palm Warbler, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill
Mild winters make Louisiana a major wintering ground for sparrows, wrens, and even western hummingbirds.
Nesting season it supports in Louisiana
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 — March–August
- Eastern Bluebird — March–August
- House Finch — March–August
- American Robin — March–July
- Northern Flicker — March–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — March–June
- Brown-headed Nuthatch — February–May
- Orchard Oriole — April–June
- Eastern Towhee — April–July
- Gray Catbird — April–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in Louisiana
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 Louisiana?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Louisiana. Louisiana spans USDA 8a–10a.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, Eastern red cedar supports 40 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Louisiana?
26 of those birds nest in Louisiana: Northern Cardinal (March–August), Eastern Bluebird (March–August), House Finch (March–August), American Robin (March–July).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in Louisiana?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Cedar Waxwing, 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 Louisiana during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Louisiana
- 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.