Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

Rocky Mountain Juniper

(Juniperus scopulorum)

Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E.

Public domain

Image By: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E.

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E. | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Tintazul | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Juniperus_scopulorum_branch.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Merrifield Garden Center, Fairfax VA USA. Names: Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' , Blue Switch Grass, Blue Switchgrass, Heavy Metal Switch Grass, Wand Panic Gras Classification: P

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Juniper, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the rocky hillsides and mountainous regions of the Intermountain West, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 50 feet (15 meters) and a width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters), with a dense, conical to columnar form. The foliage is bluish-green, and the tree produces small, blue berry-like cones. Rocky Mountain Juniper is valued for its hardiness, drought tolerance, and the pleasant fragrance of its wood and leaves.

This species is often used in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements and is also popular as a windbreak or privacy screen in garden landscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for rocky or sandy conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to juniper blight and occasionally to bagworms. 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: 30-50 feet
Width: 4-15 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, Border Plant, 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, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky hillsides and mountainous regions of the Intermountain West, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Rocky Mountain Red-Cedar , River Juniper , Red-Cedar , Rocky Mountain Red Cedar , Western Juniper , Enebro Riparío , Cedro Rojo , Genévrier Des Rocheuses , Genévrier Des Montagnes Rocheuses , Ginepro Delle Montagne Rocciose

Scientific Names: Juniperus scopulorum , Juniperus maritima , Sabina scopulorum , Juniperus ×fassettii , Juniperus virginiana subsp. scopulorum , Juniperus virginiana var. scopulorum , Juniperus scopulorum var. patens , Juniperus scopulorum var. columnaris , Juniperus fassettii , Juniperus occidentalis var. pleiosperma

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.