Southern redcedar is a native, dioecious evergreen tree. When southern redcedar is grown in the open, the branches spread to form a broad irregular crown, with the upper branches erect and the lower branches pendulous. Data on frequency of good seed crops are lacking.
Seed dispersal is usually by birds.
Southern redcedar is classified as intolerant to very intolerant of shade, although it can become established in partial shade. Southern redcedar tends to occur in open forests or on sand dunes where light is not limiting.