Western Juniper

(Juniperus occidentalis)

Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Juniperus occidentalis, commonly known as Western Juniper, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the arid regions of the western United States, particularly found in the Great Basin and associated mountain ranges. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including dry, open woodlands, and rocky slopes, often at high elevations. Western Juniper can grow to a height of 10-30 feet (3-9 meters) with a similar spread, and it typically exhibits a rugged, irregular form with a dense, conical to rounded crown.

The Western Juniper is valued for its hardiness and adaptability, often used in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. It features scale-like blue-green foliage and produces berry-like cones that are blue-brown with a whitish waxy bloom, maturing in about 18 months. These cones, often called "juniper berries," are notable for their use in flavoring gin and various culinary dishes. The tree is also appreciated for its aromatic wood, which is resistant to decay and used in fence posts and crafts. In cultivation, it is suitable for windbreaks, screening, or as a specimen plant in naturalistic landscapes. Western Juniper requires full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and can tolerate drought once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to juniper blight and may attract pests such as aphids and scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 20-40 feet
  • Width: 10-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: 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

Dry, open woodlands, and rocky slopes, often at high elevations

Other Names

Common Names: Pencil Wood, Sierra Juniper, Genévrier Occidental, Nyugati Gyantás Boróka, Можжевельник Западный (Mozhzhevel’Nik Zapadnyj), 北美西部圆柏 (Bei Mei Xi Bu Yuan Bai), Zapadna Borovica

Scientific Names: , Juniperus occidentalis, Juniperus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis, Juniperus californica var. siskiyouensis, Sabina occidentalis, Cupressus bacciformis, Juniperus dealbata, Juniperus occidentalis f. corbetii, Juniperus occidentalis f. robinsonii,

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus occidentalis Hook.