Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)

First place champion Utah juniper at the Colorado National Monument.

Species info:

Leaves: Scale-like, short-pointed, arranged oppositely in four rows; yellow-green in color, distinguishing it from the gray-green foliage of the Rocky Mountain juniper

Leaflets: N/A (scale-like conifer foliage)

Leaf Surface: Fine-textured and tight against twigs, giving a smooth appearance

Bark: Gray, fibrous, and exfoliating in long narrow strips; becomes shaggy with age

Flowers: Small, inconspicuous; male and female flowers typically occur on the same tree (monoecious)

Fruit: Berry-like cones (juniper “berries”) about ¼–⅝ inch in diameter; bluish-white when young, maturing to reddish-brown in the second year; usually one seed per fruit

Botanical: Juniperus osteosperma

Family: Cupressaceae

Mature Height: Typically 15–30 feet, occasionally up to 40 feet in ideal conditions

Canopy Spread: 10–20 feet

Foliage Type: Evergreen (conifer)

Tree Shape: Upright, becoming broadly rounded and multi-stemmed with age; young trees may have a single central leader

Fruit: Edible, but consume with caution

Fall Color: Evergreen; no fall color change

Water Use: Very low once established; highly drought tolerant

Hardiness: Zones 3–7

Soil Preference: Thrives on dry, rocky, well-drained, often alkaline soils

Wildlife Value: Fruits provide food for birds and small mammals; dense structure offers shelter for wildlife

Insects and Diseases: No major pest or disease problems observed

Notable Traits: Extremely drought and cold tolerant; native to the Intermountain West; distinguished from the Rocky Mountain juniper by its yellow-green foliage, gray bark, and monoecious flowers

Recommendations for planting:

Information sources:

• Dr. Michael Kuhns, A Guide to the Trees of Utah and the Intermountain West (1998)

• Elbert L. Little, The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees -- Western Region