Oneseed Juniper

(Juniperus monosperma)

Oneseed Juniper (Juniperus monosperma)

Jim Morefield

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Jim Morefield

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Juniperus monosperma, commonly known as Oneseed Juniper, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to semi-arid regions, including open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub areas in the Southwestern USA and Mexico. It is adapted to a range of elevations from 1,300 to 2,600 meters. This species typically grows to 2–7 meters (6+1⁄2–23 feet) tall, occasionally reaching up to 12 meters, and is often multistemmed with a dense, rounded crown. The bark is distinctive, with a gray-brown color that exfoliates in thin longitudinal strips, revealing a bright orange-brown layer underneath. The foliage consists of small, scale-like leaves. The cones resemble berries, with a soft resinous flesh, are subglobose to ovoid, 5–7 mm long, and dark blue with a pale blue-white waxy bloom. Each cone usually contains a single seed, though occasionally two or three, maturing in about 6–8 months from pollination. These cones are an important food source for local wildlife, as they are consumed by various birds and mammals.

Oneseed Juniper is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak. The blue-tinged berries add ornamental interest and can be used in floral arrangements. In cultivation, Oneseed Juniper requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, from well-drained to clay, with low water needs once established. It is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be aware that it can become invasive in some areas outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
Height: 6-25 feet
Width: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

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., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to semi-arid regions, including open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub areas in the Southwestern USA and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Cherry-Stone Juniper, One-Seed Juniper, Cherrystone Juniper, West Texas Juniper, Sabina, Enebro De Sombra, Genévrier À Une Graine, Можжевельник Односемянный (Mozhzhevel’Nik Odnosemyannyj), 樱核圆柏 (Ying He Yuan Bai)

Scientific Names: , Juniperus monosperma, Sabina monosperma, Juniperus occidentalis var. monosperma, Juniperus monosperma f. gymnocarpa, Juniperus californica var. monosperma, Juniperus gymnocarpa, Juniperus mexicana var. monosperma, Juniperus occidentalis f. gymnocarpa, Juniperus occidentalis var. gymnocarpa,

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg.