Rocky Mountain Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum
ConiferAbout Rocky Mountain Juniper
Rocky Mountain Juniper is a hardy, drought-tolerant native conifer of the western United States. It grows in some of the most rugged, dry conditions of any North American tree. Valued for windbreaks and wildlife habitat, it produces blue berry-like cones consumed by many bird species.
Quick Facts
How to Identify Rocky Mountain Juniper
- Scale-like, gray-green to blue-green aromatic foliage
- Small, blue, waxy, berry-like cones on female plants
- Fibrous, reddish-brown bark that shreds vertically
- Columnar to irregular form, often gnarled with age
- Strong cedar scent when foliage is crushed
Care Guide
- Extremely drought-tolerant; supplemental watering rarely needed once established
- Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches
- Avoid overhead irrigation, which promotes fungal diseases
- Do not plant near apple or crabapple trees due to cedar-apple rust
- No fertilization needed in most situations
Known Issues (1)
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