Eastern red cedar for birds in Massachusetts
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to Massachusetts, where it feeds or shelters 40 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Massachusetts
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Massachusetts birds supported
- 40
- Nesting birds among them
- 32
Growing conditions in Massachusetts
Humid continental with maritime influence on Cape Cod and the islands.
Warm summers; nesting peaks late May to July.
Massachusetts birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (18)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, White-winged Crossbill
Summer breeders (14)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (8)
Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Bohemian Waxwing
Snowy winters with nor'easters; Cape Cod is milder and holds more half-hardy birds.
Nesting season it supports in Massachusetts
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
- Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
- House Finch — April–August
- Purple Finch — May–July
- American Robin — April–July
- White-throated Sparrow — May–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Red-breasted Nuthatch — May–June
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Massachusetts. Massachusetts spans USDA 5a–7b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, Eastern red cedar supports 40 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Massachusetts?
32 of those birds nest in Massachusetts: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in Massachusetts?
Winter visitors Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Massachusetts during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Massachusetts
- 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.