Rocky Mountain Juniper

General
Scientific Name: Juniperus scopulorum
Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress)
Hardiness: Zone 3
Leaves: Evergreen
Plant Type: Tree

Growth
Rate: Slow
Mature Height: 25-45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No

Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Small blue cone
Fall Color: n/a

A small to medium tree, typically with a dense pyramidal crown. Native to western North Dakota. Seedling plantings may exhibit a wide variety of forms. Many denser growing cultivars are used as ornamentals. The largest tree in North Dakota has a trunk circumference of 7 1⁄2 feet.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Likes moist soils, thought very drought tolerant once established.
Soil: Adapted to a wide variety, tolerates salts and high pH.

Rocky Mountain juniper is susceptible to cedar apple rust, however it rarely causes damage to the plant.

A large number of cultivated varieties are available, including:

'Cologreen'- is a semi-compact upright bright green form.

'Medora'- an NDSU variety with a narrow columnar form with a blue -green color.

'Grizzly Bear'- a fairly compact upright bluish juniper.