Almost all evergreens found in our region were brought here from somewhere else, but there is one exception: the Eastern red cedar is native to parts of northwest Ohio.

Any other evergreen species seen growing in our area, such as pine, hemlock, spruce and fir, came from somewhere else.

This “pioneer” tree [despite its name, it is not a true cedar, but a type of juniper (a.k.a Juniperus virginiana)] can often be found growing in recently cleared areas, after burns, in fields or along road rights-of-way.

Found near many of the Great Lakes, the Eastern red cedar produces fleshy bluish cones resembling berries that are a great food source for birds and other wildlife. Cedar waxwings get their name because they readily feed on the fruits of this plant.  Other birds also use the tree for roosting and nesting because of its compact nature.

Eastern cedar trees can most commonly be seen growing at Blue Creek Metropark, along the Maumee River and sparsely throughout the Oak Openings Region.

Fun fact: While not naturally occurring in our corner of the state, there are six genera of evergreens native to other parts of Ohio: yew, Northern white cedar, Eastern red cedar, larch/tamarack, hemlock and pine.

Photo taken at Blue Creek Metropark glade