Eastern Red Cedar vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Eastern Red Cedar is native to eastern Canada and is actually a variety of juniper, not cedar. Its pyramidal crown, low hanging branches, and dense, compact foliage makes it an ideal windbreak or shelterbelt tree.

Eastern Red Cedar will attract wildlife to your yard and provide food and shelter for multiple varieties of birds. If you are on the east coast looking to create a windbreak, consider Eastern Red Cedar.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

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