Juniperus scopulorum Seeds | Rocky Mountain Juniper
LATIN NAME: Juniperus scopulorum
COMMON NAME: Rocky Mountain Juniper
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum is a small, evergreen tree in the cypress family, native to rockies in north America. On dry slopes and canyon rims of the Rocky Mountains, rocky mountain juniper grows as a small, evergreen tree with scale-like, grey-green leaves on mature branches and small, round, blue, berry-like cones that ripen in second year. It slowly becomes a low, spreading mat, up to two metres. Full sun suits it best, with gritty, sharply drained ground. In good conditions it grows to around Two metres. The flowers pull in pollinating insects, which quietly widens its usefulness in the garden. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.
Science & Biotechnology
Juniperus scopulorum sits in the cypress family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. For a conifer of such hardy beauty, the Rocky Mountain juniper has a steady and growing record of research. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Rocky Mountain Juniper has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, the Rocky Mountain juniper is a generous conifer of the western slopes. Its blue berries feed birds and wildlife through winter, its dense, aromatic foliage gives shelter, and it is a hardy presence on dry mountains and plains of the West. For a grower, the Rocky Mountain juniper is an easy and hardy conifer, and for a gardener it brings blue-grey foliage and vivid blue berries to dry garden. In later seasons it demands little more than an appreciative eye.
Juniper berries flavor gin and game and are a classical European diuretic for urinary teas, official in several herbals; the wood’s fragrant oils scent pencils, chests and incense.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Rocky Mountain Juniper under ordinary good conditions. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray full sun. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Given the right start, Rocky Mountain Juniper is a long-term garden companion. The essentials are simple: full sun, drainage and patience while it establishes.
Related Reading
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