Why Cedar Trees Grow Along Fence Lines: The Role of Birds

The scientific term is endozoochory—seed dispersal via animal ingestion and defecation. Birds eat the blue-green berries of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and later perch on fence wires, depositing the seeds in their droppings. The fence row provides a perfect linear perch, resulting in a line of cedar seedlings. It's a classic example of how wildlife shapes plant distribution.