Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is a rugged and timeless native tree that brings a distinctly western character to the landscape. Each plant develops its own natural shape, with some growing to be upright and narrow while others create an open shape over time. The dense foliage can be shades of blue-green to silvery. Its texture and cool tones pair beautifully with grasses, sagebrush, and flowering perennials, adding vertical interest and year-round structure without feeling formal or forced. Add Rocky Mountain Juniper as a specimen or focal plant to dry garden beds or borders, Mediterranean plantings, naturalistic or restorative plants, or dry grassland and prairie gardens.
Photo Credit: John Brew
Rocky Mountain Juniper
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish) to Low (1/2" every 10-14 days). Start on a moderate level of irrigation when the tree is planted and then decrease as the tree establishes.
Mature Size: Commonly 20 - 30' tall (can grow up to 40' or taller) and 3-15' wide
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 7
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Adaptable to sand, loam, or clay as long as its well-draining.
Plants in the genus Juniperus are known host plants for 38 native pollinators in northern Utah. Rocky Mountain Juniper is also a habitat plant for birds and other animals.