Texas NativeEastern Red Cedar Emerald Feather
Juniperus virginiana ‘J.N. Select Green’Local DFW Delivery Only
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Eastern Red Cedar Emerald Feather
Juniperus virginiana ‘J.N. Select Green’Eastern Red Cedar Emerald Feather is a graceful evergreen tree known for its soft, feathery texture and vibrant green needles that maintain their color year-round. Growing 12 feet tall with a narrow spread of 5 feet, it works wonderfully in tight spaces and as a natural privacy screen. Aside from its foliage, this tree produces blue berries, known as cones, that only add to its charm and texture.
- Evergreen tree
- Moderate growth rate with upright, columnar habit
- Soft, bright green foliage year-round
- Narrow form perfect for screens and borders
- Drought-tolerant at maturity
Emerald Feather prefers full sun and well-drained soil but adapts well to average soil and weather . Hardy in USDA zones 3a through 9b, it’s a reliable choice for adding vertical interest and year-round greenery to Texas landscapes. Minimal upkeep is needed as occasional trimming encourages healthy new growth.
With proper establishment, Eastern Red Cedar Emerald Feather becomes a durable, low-maintenance evergreen year-round:
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first 1-2 years to help establish a drought-tolerant root system. Once mature, ‘Emerald Feather’ requires only occasional supplemental watering during prolonged drought.
- Pruning: Pruning needs are minimal thanks to its naturally feathery, upright form. If shaping is needed, prune lightly in late winter to remove damaged or crossing branches, taking care not to disturb its soft, layered structure.
- Fertilizing: This cultivar thrives in lean soils and typically requires little to no fertilizer once established. If growth slows or foliage begins to pale, a light application of slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring helps maintain vigor without causing overly lush, floppy growth.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer around the base to preserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup on the bark and refresh annually for best results.
- Winter Care: ‘Emerald Feather’ is highly cold-hardy and requires no winter protection in its growing range. In extremely harsh winters, young plants may show slight bronzing, but they quickly regain rich green color with spring warmth.
Although resilient, this cultivar can encounter a few manageable issues in humid or stressful growing conditions:
- Cedar Apple Rust: Bright orange, gelatinous galls appear after spring rains. Remove affected twigs and avoid planting near apple or crabapple trees to reduce disease pressure.
- Bagworms: Cone-like silk bags appear along branches and defoliate foliage. Hand-remove bags in winter or apply Bt treatments in early summer to interrupt their life cycle.
- Spider Mites: Fine stippling and dull foliage arise during hot, dry spells. Increase humidity, rinse foliage, or apply horticultural oil to restore healthy growth.
- Root Rot: Wilting and browning occur when soils remain waterlogged for extended periods. Improve drainage and reduce irrigation to protect the root system.
- Tip Blight: Browning occurs at branch tips after extended humidity or fungal weather. Prune out affected tips and increase airflow to prevent recurrence.
These evergreens typically live 40-70 years, holding their soft texture and upright form beautifully throughout their lifespan. Their longevity makes them reliable additions to both small gardens and large landscapes.
It grows at a moderate rate of 12-18 inches per year and generally reaches its mature feathery form in 7-12 years. This steady pace allows it to develop full texture while maintaining excellent structural balance.
While not pollinator-focused, its berry-like cones are valuable food for birds, and its fine evergreen structure provides essential year-round shelter. Its feathery texture creates cozy hiding spots for beneficial wildlife.
Yes - its aromatic foliage is generally unappealing to deer. Young plants may still benefit from early protection in areas with heavy browsing.
It can be successfully container-grown in its youth thanks to its upright habit and moderate growth rate. Over time, it performs best when planted in the ground where roots can expand naturally.
It handles heat very well when grown in well-drained soil, especially with deep watering during severe drought. Mulch and airflow help maintain lush, soft foliage even in high heat.
It cannot be divided, as it develops a single woody trunk and cohesive root system. Additional plants should be purchased or propagated by nurseries.
Absolutely - its upright form and dense feathery texture make it excellent for privacy screens, windbreaks, or grouped plantings. Repeated specimens create a soft, serene evergreen wall.
Partners like Switchgrass, Beautyberry, Texas Sage, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, and various ornamental grasses complement its airy texture. These combinations create layered, year-round visual interest.
Yes - it tolerates pollution, compacted soil, and reflected heat better than many evergreens. Its soft texture and year-round color make it a great fit for courtyards, commercial sites, and modern gardens.
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Eastern Red Cedar Emerald Feather This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Juniperus virginiana ‘J.N. Select Green’ | Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’ |
| Size at Maturity | 12' H x 5' W | 25' H x 4' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Sizes Available | 15 Gal | 6, 7, 15, 30, 45 gal |
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