You’ve probably seen eastern red cedar lining roads or making dense hedges. It’s common, tough, and useful. People love its reddish, aromatic wood for closets, furniture, and crafts. But it’s not just wood — the tree has berries, oil, and a few downsides you should know before bringing it into your home or garden.
Look for scale-like leaves that hug the branches and a shreddy, reddish-brown bark that peels in strips. Mature trees hit about 30–50 feet tall, though many stay smaller in poor soil. The “berries” are actually fleshy cones — round, bluish, and about 6–8 mm wide — that show up in fall. It grows wild across the eastern U.S., from the Northeast down through Texas and into parts of the Midwest.
Wood and scent: The wood smells like cedar because of natural oils. That scent repels moths and many insects. Use cedar planks or blocks in closets and drawers to protect wool and linens. For furniture or small projects, the wood machines and sands well and has a warm reddish color that many people like.
Landscape uses: Eastern red cedar makes a fast windbreak and a privacy hedge. It’s drought tolerant and can handle poor soil. If you want a low-maintenance screen, this is a smart pick. Just know it can form thick patches if left unchecked, which can crowd out grass and native plants.
Berries and oil: Birds eat the bluish cones and help spread the tree. Historically, people used the berries and oil in folk remedies. Today, cedar essential oil is used in soaps and insect-repellent products. If you plan to use oil or berries for anything internal or medicinal, check with a healthcare pro — the oil is strong and can cause problems in large doses.
Storage and craft tips: For cedar chests and boxes, use solid knots-free wood where possible. Lightly sand older cedar blocks to refresh the scent every year or two. If you buy chips for mulch, pick kiln-dried chips (less likely to stain and more stable). If you want the scent but not the wood, cedar-lined hangers or sachets work well.
Safety and things to watch for: Some people get skin irritation from fresh cedar dust during cutting or sanding. Wear a mask and eye protection when working the wood. The pollen can trigger allergies in spring. Also, eastern red cedar can host cedar-apple rust, a fungus that harms apple trees — avoid planting it near orchards.
Buying and sustainability: When buying lumber or oil, check the species name (Juniperus virginiana) so you know what you’re getting. Look for sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood if possible. For essential oils, choose distilled oils from reputable suppliers and follow label directions.
Want to use eastern red cedar around your home? It’s great for scent, storage, and shelter — just take basic safety steps and buy from trusted sources. If you have health or medicinal questions about cedar products, talk to a healthcare provider before you try them.
