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Juniperus osteosperma
Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little
Utah Juniper
Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
Synonym(s): Juniperus californica ssp. osteosperma, Juniperus californica var. osteosperma, Juniperus californica var. utahensis, Juniperus knightii, Juniperus megalocarpa, Juniperus monosperma var. knightii, Juniperus occidentalis var. utahensis, Juniperus utahensis, Juniperus utahensis var. megalocarpa, Sabina osteosperma, Sabina utahensis
USDA Symbol: juos
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Utah juniper is a tree-like, evergreen shrub or bushy, small tree, 10-20 ft. tall. The plant forms rounded clumps or crowns. Branchlets are stiff with thin, ashy, scaly bark. Foliage is scale-like on mature twigs; needle-like on juvenile shoots and seedlings. Fruit is red-brown beneath a bloom when mature.
The most common juniper in Arizona, it is conspicuous at the south rim of the Grand Canyon and on higher canyon walls. Utah Juniper grows slowly, becoming craggier and more contorted with age. American Indians used the bark for cordage, sandals, woven bags, thatching, and matting. They also ate the "berries" fresh or in cakes. Birds and small mammals also consume quantities of juniper "berries." Junipers are also called cedars; Cedar Breaks National Monument and nearby Cedar City in southwestern Utah are named for this tree. Scattered tufts of yellowish twigs with whitish berries found on the trees are a parasitic mistletoe, which is characteristic of this tree.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , UT , WYNative Distribution: S. ID, s. MT & WY, s. to w. NM & CA
Native Habitat: Dry plains & hills, 3000-7500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Propagation
Description: Seed can be sown outdoors in fall or stratified and sown in spring. Seed germination is often poor, so a large quantity of seeds should be sown.Seed Collection: Collect seeds from late summer through fall when it has turned its ripe color. Seed can be extracted by running the fruits through a macerator. Thoroughly dry and clean seeds to avoid mold and overheating. If not planting immediately, air dry before storing. Store in sealed containers at 20-40 degrees.
Seed Treatment: Stratify at 41 degrees for 30-120 days.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Additional resources
USDA: Find Juniperus osteosperma in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Juniperus osteosperma in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Juniperus osteosperma
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-06-26Research By: TWC Staff