Eastern red cedar for birds in North Dakota
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to North Dakota, where it feeds or shelters 33 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in North Dakota
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- North Dakota birds supported
- 33
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in North Dakota
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
North Dakota birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (7)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (16)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (10)
Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing
Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic.
Nesting season it supports in North Dakota
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 — May–August
- Eastern Bluebird — May–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
- House Finch — May–August
- American Robin — May–July
- Northern Flicker — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — June–July
- Orchard Oriole — June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
- Gray Catbird — June–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in North Dakota
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Frequently asked
Is Eastern red cedar native to North Dakota?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in North Dakota. North Dakota spans USDA 3a–4b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, Eastern red cedar supports 33 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in North Dakota?
23 of those birds nest in North Dakota: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), House Finch (May–August).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in North Dakota?
Winter visitors Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing use it in North Dakota during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — North Dakota
- 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.