Rocky mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

Also known as: River juniper, Western red cedar

The tree in question is the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). It typically reaches heights of 5 to 6 meters and features dark green foliage. The tree produces berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. Its aromatic wood is prized for use in cedar chests and lumber. Unlike some other species, it is well-suited to a variety of climates, including humid ones.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Rocky mountain juniper

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

5 m to 20 m

Spread

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

Generally inconspicuous

Flower Color

Yellow Green Blue

Images of Rocky mountain juniper

Quickly Identify Rocky mountain juniper

Distinct dioecious flowers on separate plants: female greenish-yellow, male yellow.

Needle-like juvenile leaves transition to flat, scale-like mature leaves with musty scent.

Exfoliating bark in reddish-brown to gray thin strips on branches, smooth on smaller ones.

Round, two-lobed fruit cones, initially green, mature to bluish-purple with waxy bloom.

Sturdy trunk up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide with exfoliating bark varying in colors.

Scientific Classification of Rocky mountain juniper

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Conifers

Order

Pinales

Family

Cypress

Genus

Junipers

Species

Rocky mountain juniper

Planting and Growing of Rocky mountain juniper

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-68℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Rocky mountain juniper?

Juniperus scopulorum thrives with careful watering. Water until the soil is moist but not saturated, allowing excess to drain away. Aim for approximately 500 milliliters each time, ensuring deep penetration but avoiding waterlogging.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Rocky mountain juniper? ›

What should I do if my Rocky mountain juniper is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Rocky mountain juniper? ›

How to save an overwatered Rocky mountain juniper? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Rocky mountain juniper?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Juniperus scopulorum prefers full sun to partial sun, ensuring about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. This light exposure is crucial for sturdy growth, intensifying its natural color and structure.

What is the optimal light condition for Juniperus scopulorum? ›

How can I achieve ideal lighting for this plant? ›

What benefits does Juniperus scopulorum obtain from ideal light conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Rocky mountain juniper?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 68℉

Juniperus scopulorum thrives in a temperature range of 50 to 68°F. This range allows the plant to maintain optimal growth and physiological functions. Maintaining this temperature ensures healthy foliage and a robust root system.

What Soil is Best for Rocky mountain juniper?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Juniperus scopulorum prefers well-drained soil that prevents water from pooling around its roots. This is crucial for avoiding root rot and ensures the plant's healthy and robust growth. This plant thrives in moderately fertile soil. While it does not require rich soil, some organic matter enhances its growth, providing necessary nutrients without overwhelming the plant. Juniperus scopulorum is drought-tolerant once established, which means it requires soil that can sustain moisture during dry spells while not remaining soggy.

How to Fertilize Rocky mountain juniper?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Juniperus scopulorum, apply fertilizer at a rate that aligns with its native soil conditions. A balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer is usually recommended. Use about one pound per 100 square feet in early spring, ensuring the roots are adequately nourished while avoiding nutrient excess.

How to Prune Rocky mountain juniper?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start with clean, sharp tools like pruning shears or loppers for larger branches. Ensure the tools are disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases. Wearing gloves is advisable to protect your hands from the sharp and resinous foliage. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches at the base to allow more light and air penetration. Then, thin out the interior to prevent overcrowding, clipping back to above a vegetative joint to ensure an aesthetic, natural shape. Aim for a well-rounded form, being careful to not cut back into older, bare wood as it may not regrow.

How to Propagate Rocky mountain juniper plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early autumn

Select healthy, disease-free stems or seeds from a mature Juniperus scopulorum plant. It's crucial to choose mature seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings for optimal success in propagation.

Prepare a well-draining soil mix, preferably one that is sandy or contains perlite, to ensure proper drainage. This step is vital to prevent root rot and maintain moisture consistency during the rooting phase.

Place the cuttings or seeds in a location with indirect sunlight and maintain a warm environment. Consistent temperature and humidity levels are key for ensuring healthy growth and development during propagation.

How to Repot Rocky mountain juniper plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 3-4 years

Juniperus scopulorum should be repotted when you notice roots creeping out of the drainage holes or when the soil no longer drains well, which usually indicates the roots have outgrown their space. The best time to repot is during early spring when the plant is still semi-dormant, ensuring minimal stress.

Opt for a pot that is just a size larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. This ensures that the roots do not stand in water, which can cause root rot, while still allowing enough room for growth over the next couple of years. A heavy pot is advantageous for stability, especially since Juniperus scopulorum can become top-heavy as it grows.

Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for conifers. This typically includes components like pine bark, perlite, and sand, which allows excess water to escape, thus preventing waterlogging and ensuring healthy root growth.

Toxicity of Rocky mountain juniper

Is Rocky mountain juniper toxic to cat?

The Rocky Mountain juniper is known to possess mild toxic properties for felines. If cats ingest the seeds of this plant in significant quantities, they may experience poisoning. After consuming the seeds, a cat could show signs of physical distress or display vague indications of illness that may not be readily observable. It is essential to seek veterinary care promptly to address any possible health issues stemming from the consumption of Rocky Mountain juniper. Cat owners must remain attentive in keeping their pets away from the seeds of this plant to safeguard their health and safety.

Is Rocky mountain juniper toxic to dog?

The Rocky Mountain juniper presents a low toxicity risk for dogs. Although the plant is not considered highly poisonous, consuming large quantities of its seeds can result in adverse effects. Dogs that ingest a considerable amount of these seeds may show signs of gastrointestinal distress or even more serious health complications. Dog owners should be attentive and keep their pets away from locations where Rocky Mountain juniper seeds can be found. If a dog is thought to have ingested these seeds, it is essential to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to ensure appropriate treatment and care for any possible poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.