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(Juniperus osteosperma)
Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
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Stan Shebs
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Stan Shebs
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Stan Shebs | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Stan Shebs | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Juniperus_osteosperma_4.jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Juniperus osteosperma, commonly known as Utah Juniper, is an evergreen tree with a distinctive, aromatic presence, native to the arid regions of the Intermountain West in the United States, including Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and western Colorado. It is typically found in semi-desert shrublands and pinyon-juniper woodlands, where it is well-adapted to dry, rocky soils and high elevations. The tree reaches a height of 3–6 meters (9 ft 10 in – 19 ft 8 in), and on rare occasions, it can grow up to 9 meters tall. Utah Juniper has a rounded or irregular crown and often exhibits a twisted or gnarled trunk, which adds to its rugged appearance. The bark is fibrous and shreddy, providing textural interest.
Utah Juniper is valued for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. The blue-brown cones, resembling berries, are 8–13 mm (5⁄16–1⁄2 in) in diameter and have a whitish waxy bloom. They mature in about 18 months and are an important food source for birds and small mammals. The tree’s low water requirements and preference for well-drained soils make it a low-maintenance option for gardeners in arid climates. It is often used as a windbreak, for erosion control, and in wildlife gardens. However, gardeners should be aware that Utah Juniper can be susceptible to juniper blight and may also attract pests such as spider mites.CC BY-SA 4.0
Utah Juniper is valued for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. The blue-brown cones, resembling berries, are 8–13 mm (5⁄16–1⁄2 in) in diameter and have a whitish waxy bloom. They mature in about 18 months and are an important food source for birds and small mammals. The tree’s low water requirements and preference for well-drained soils make it a low-maintenance option for gardeners in arid climates. It is often used as a windbreak, for erosion control, and in wildlife gardens. However, gardeners should be aware that Utah Juniper can be susceptible to juniper blight and may also attract pests such as spider mites.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 20-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Semi-desert shrublands and pinyon-juniper woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Big-Berry Juniper , Bigberry Juniper , Desert Juniper , Desert Cedar , Cedro , Sabina Morena , Genévrier De L’utah
Scientific Names: Juniperus osteosperma , Juniperus utahensis , Sabina osteosperma , Juniperus californica var. utahensis , Juniperus tetragona var. osteosperma , Juniperus knightii , Sabina utahensis , Juniperus utahensis var. megalocarpa , Juniperus utahensis var. cosnino , Juniperus californica subsp. osteosperma
GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little