Eastern red cedar for birds in Ohio
Winter cover and fruit. Native to Ohio, where it feeds or shelters 38 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Ohio
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Ohio birds supported
- 38
- Nesting birds among them
- 25
Growing conditions in Ohio
Humid continental; cold winters and warm summers, with Lake Erie moderating the north coast.
Warm, humid summers; western Lake Erie marshes are a major migration stopover.
Ohio 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 (13)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing
Snow and sub-freezing stretches are routine; Carolina Chickadees hold the south and Black-capped the north.
Nesting season it supports in Ohio
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 Ohio
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Eastern red cedar native to Ohio?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Ohio. Ohio spans USDA 5b–7a.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Ohio?
In Ohio, Eastern red cedar supports 38 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Ohio?
25 of those birds nest in Ohio: 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 Ohio?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, 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 Ohio during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Ohio
- 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.