Eastern red cedar for birds in Missouri
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to Missouri, where it feeds or shelters 37 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Missouri
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Missouri birds supported
- 37
- Nesting birds among them
- 25
Growing conditions in Missouri
Humid continental, from the Ozark Plateau in the south to prairie and river floodplains in the north.
Hot, humid summers.
Missouri birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (11)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (14)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, 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, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing
Cold winters with variable snow; ice storms can shut down natural food for days.
Nesting season it supports in Missouri
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
- 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
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in Missouri
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 Missouri?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Missouri. Missouri spans USDA 5b–7b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Missouri?
In Missouri, Eastern red cedar supports 37 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Missouri?
25 of those birds nest in Missouri: 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 Missouri?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Missouri during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Missouri
- 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.