Eastern red cedar for birds in New Jersey
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to New Jersey, where it feeds or shelters 41 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in New Jersey
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- New Jersey birds supported
- 41
- Nesting birds among them
- 34
Growing conditions in New Jersey
Humid continental to subtropical, from the Highlands in the north to the Pine Barrens and Cape May.
Hot, humid summers; Cape May is a world-class migration funnel.
New Jersey birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (18)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, 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, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (16)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (7)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing
Moderate winters; Cape May and the shore hold many half-hardy birds.
Nesting season it supports in New Jersey
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
- Red-breasted Nuthatch — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in New Jersey
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 New Jersey?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in New Jersey. New Jersey spans USDA 6a–7b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, Eastern red cedar supports 41 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in New Jersey?
34 of those birds nest in New Jersey: 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 New Jersey?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in New Jersey during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Jersey
- 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.