Juniperus virginiana

Juniperus virginiana, also known as Red Juniper, is a dense, slow-growing coniferous evergreen tree native to eastern North America.  Fans of sharp juvenile needles and tightly-scaled adult needles make up the Red Juniper's two types of dense foliage cover.  Sky-blue seed cones, a distinguishing characteristic of Red Juniper, are an important food source for many birds during the winter months.  Red Juniper bark is reddish-brown and will often peel off in thin strips.  Although no longer considered a prominent commercial product, Red Juniper wood is still highly valued for its beauty, durability, and workability.  Considered a pioneering plant, Red Juniper is able to repopulate cleared or damaged land earlier than most other trees.  Tolerance to heat, drought, and cold, as well as their coniferous appearance, has led to the Red Juniper becoming a popular Christmas tree choice in some parts of North America.

Tolerant to most growing conditions, except for full shade, the Red Juniper is a resilient choice for most landscapes.  For optimal growth, Red Juniper should be planted in a spot that receives copious sunlight and room to grow.  A deep pocket of moist, well-draining, alluvial soil will encourage fast and robust growth for Red Juniper trees.  While the Red Juniper is tolerant to drought, greater growth is achieved by maintaining moist soil with frequent waterings.  One important consideration to make when planting a Red Juniper is the proximity to any apple trees, as it should be planted a minimum of 500 ft / 152 m away.  A fungus that is not typically harmful to Red Juniper trees can spread to apple trees in the spring, and cause significant harm to their fruit and foliage.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Juniperus Virginiana

Juniperus virginiana

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Ornamental

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