Eastern red cedar for birds in South Dakota
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to South Dakota, where it feeds or shelters 36 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in South Dakota
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- South Dakota birds supported
- 36
- Nesting birds among them
- 27
Growing conditions in South Dakota
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Warm summers with thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
South Dakota birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (11)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Steller's Jay, Canada Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch
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 (9)
Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill
Cold, windy winters.
Nesting season it supports in South 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 — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Gray Catbird — May–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in South Dakota
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Eastern red cedar native to South Dakota?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in South Dakota. South Dakota spans USDA 3b–5b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, Eastern red cedar supports 36 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in South Dakota?
27 of those birds nest in South Dakota: 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 South 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 use it in South Dakota during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — South 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.