Juniperus rigida, commonly known as Temple Juniper, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to rocky slopes, coastal cliffs, and mountainous regions in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China and the Russian Far East. It typically grows to a height of 6–10 meters (20–33 ft) with a trunk diameter up to 50 centimeters (20 in). The plant has a rigid, upright growth habit with needle-like leaves that are sharp to the touch. The foliage is a deep green color, providing year-round interest. The seed cones resemble berries, starting green and ripening in 18 months to dark purple or brownish with a variable whitish waxy coating, which are attractive to birds. The pollen cones are yellow, 3–5 mm long, and are present in spring before they fall after releasing pollen.

Temple Juniper is valued for its architectural form and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, coastal landscapes, and urban environments where air pollution may be a concern. Its tolerance for drought and poor soils, along with its striking evergreen foliage, makes it a versatile plant in garden design. It is also highly regarded for use in bonsai due to its resilience and distinctive appearance. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils, and it is relatively low-maintenance once established. However, it can be susceptible to juniper blight and root rot if conditions are too wet.CC BY-SA 4.0