Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Juniperus monosperma (Oneseed juniper)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg.

Oneseed juniper, One-seed juniper, Cherrystone juniper

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

USDA Symbol: JUMO

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

One-seed juniper is a large shrub or small tree, 6-20 ft., with a gnarled, multi-trunked appearance in the wild. Larger branches usually arise from below ground level. Bark is thin, scaly and ashy. Fragrant foliage is scale-like on mature twigs; needle-like on juvenile shoots and seedlings. Bluish-black to copper-colored fruits occur on the female plants.

This abundant juniper is one of the most common small trees in New Mexico. The wood is important for fenceposts and fuel, and Indians used to make mats and cloth from the fibrous bark. Birds and mammals consume the juicy berries, and goats browse the foliage.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Leaf Color: Dark Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Orange
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: AZ , CO , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: W. TX, w. to s.e. CO & AZ; also mts. of n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Steep slopes; rocky ledges; arroyos; dry plains & hills
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Gravelly or sandy, dry soils
Conditions Comments: A cold-, wind-, and drought-tolerant juniper. Provides shelter for wildlife and less-tolerant plants. Invades disturbed sites. Susceptible to mistletoe (prune it out).
Please support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I'm looking for a shrub to plant along a 90' property line with my neighbor in Sedona, Arizona (high desert). Ideally, the shrub would grow to about 8' and would not require too much water. What would you recommend, and how many plants would I need to cover the 90' (growing to be a hedge that would completely block my neighbor's yard/house)? Thanks.
click here to view the full question and answer

* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Juniperus monosperma in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Juniperus monosperma in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Juniperus monosperma

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-24
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back