Eastern red cedar for birds in Maryland
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to Maryland, where it feeds or shelters 39 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Maryland
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–8a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Maryland birds supported
- 39
- Nesting birds among them
- 27
Growing conditions in Maryland
Humid subtropical on the Chesapeake coastal plain, cooler in the Appalachian west.
Hot, humid summers around the Chesapeake.
Maryland birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (12)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Brown-headed Nuthatch
Summer breeders (15)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, 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 (12)
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, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill
Mild winters in the east with regular snow in the western mountains.
Nesting season it supports in Maryland
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
- Brown-headed Nuthatch — March–May
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in Maryland
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 Maryland?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Maryland. Maryland spans USDA 6a–8a.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Maryland?
In Maryland, Eastern red cedar supports 39 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Maryland?
27 of those birds nest in Maryland: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in Maryland?
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, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill use it in Maryland during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Maryland
- 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.