Eastern red cedar for birds in West Virginia
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to West Virginia, where it feeds or shelters 37 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in West Virginia
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- West Virginia birds supported
- 37
- Nesting birds among them
- 26
Growing conditions in West Virginia
Humid continental Appalachian state with high ridges and deep river valleys.
Warm, humid summers; high ridges host northern breeders.
West Virginia birds that use Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (11)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (15)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, 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 (11)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill
Snowy winters at elevation; valleys milder.
Nesting season it supports in West Virginia
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
- 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
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in West Virginia
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 West Virginia?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in West Virginia. West Virginia spans USDA 5b–7a.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, Eastern red cedar supports 37 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in West Virginia?
26 of those birds nest in West Virginia: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in West Virginia?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, White-winged Crossbill use it in West Virginia during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — West Virginia
- 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.