Ashe’s Juniper

(Juniperus ashei)

Ashe’s Juniper (Juniperus ashei)

Michelle W.

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Michelle W.

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Juniperus ashei, commonly known as Ashe’s Juniper, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to limestone hills, rocky outcrops, and canyons within the Edwards Plateau and surrounding areas in the South-Central United States and Mexico. It exhibits a variable growth habit, often reaching up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall, and with age, it can extend to 15 meters (49 feet). The species forms a dense, conical to rounded crown with feathery foliage that is bright green in color. Ashe’s Juniper is a dioecious species, meaning individual plants are either male or female. The female trees produce seed cones that are berry-like, starting green and maturing to a purple hue about 8 months after pollination. These cones, often called "juniper berries," contain one or two seeds and are a food source for birds, which aid in seed dispersal. Male trees bear yellow cones that turn brown after releasing pollen from December to February.

Ashe’s Juniper is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used as a windbreak or privacy screen. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance once established, tolerating full sun to part shade and preferring well-drained soils. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as cedar-apple rust when grown in proximity to susceptible species. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to become invasive outside its native range and check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 15-25 feet
Width: 15-25 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to limestone hills, rocky outcrops, and canyons within the Edwards Plateau and surrounding areas in the South-Central United States and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Ashe Juniper, Mexican Juniper, Mountain Cedar, Ozark White Cedar, Post Cedar, Rock Cedar, Ozark White-Cedar, Mountain-Cedar, Rock-Cedar, Post-Cedar

Scientific Names: , Juniperus ashei,

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus ashei J.T.Buchholz