Juniperus virginiana 'Canaertii'
   
Tried and True Recommended by 6 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: red cedar
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Cupressaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 20 to 35 feet
Spread: 8 to 15 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Color: 
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Evergreen
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Other: Winter Interest
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts, Deer
Uses: Erosion Control

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils and growing conditions, from swampy areas to dry rocky glades. Prefers moist soils, but has excellent drought resistance.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Eastern red cedar is native to Missouri where it typically occurs on limestone bluffs and glades, wood margins, fields, pastures and fence rows throughout the state except for the southeastern lowlands (Steyermark). It is a broadly conical, sometimes columnar, dense, evergreen conifer with horizontal branching that typically grows to 30-65’ tall. Gray to reddish-brown bark exfoliates in thin shreddy strips on mature trees. Trunks are often fluted at the base. ‘Canaertii’ is a compact pyramidal cultivar with ascending branching that grows to 20’ tall over the first 15 years. Plants may eventually grow to as much as 40-50’ tall. Shape opens up and becomes more irregular as plants age. Dark green foliage is mostly scale-like (adult) with awl-like (juvenile) needles on young branches. Foliage generally retains good green color in winter. Juniperus virginiana is a dioecious species (separate male and female trees), however ‘Canaertii’ is a female clone that produces round, blue, berry-like cones (1/4” diameter) with whitish bloom. Cones are often profuse and are considered to be highly ornamental. Cones are attractive to many birds. Cultivar name honors Frederic Canaert (1804-1888), Belgian horticulturist

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Cedar apple rust is common in many areas. Susceptible to twig blight. Watch for bagworms. Mites may occur.

Garden Uses

Landscape specimen. Large screen.