Juniperus monosperma

Common Names

One-Seed Juniper, Cherrystone Juniper, New Mexico Juniper, Sabina, West Texas Juniper

Summary

One-seed juniper is an evergreen conifer native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, growing as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded crown. It is slow-growing with a deep taproot; bark gray-brown and exfoliating to reveal bright orange-brown beneath; juvenile foliage is needle-like while mature shoots bear scale-like blue-green, fragrant leaves. Seed cones are berry-like, 5–7 mm long, blue with a pale bloom, usually containing a single seed, and seeds are dispersed by birds and mammals. It grows on dry, rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils at elevations around 1000–2300 m.

Suitable for drought-tolerant landscapes with full sun to dry conditions; prefers well-drained soils and tolerates very alkaline sites, with low water needs once established. Transplanting large specimens is difficult due to a long taproot. Propagation is by seed. Landscape uses include windbreaks, accent plant in native or xeric gardens, and providing wildlife habitat; berries serve as a food source for birds and mammals, and wood is used as fuel.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-40 feet

Spread

6-30 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained soils that are sandy, gravelly, or rocky, neutral to slightly alkaline

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

7.0-8.0, Neutral to slightly alkaline

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green to dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow-growing.

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds (primary propagation method), limited basal sprouting after fire, Spores not applicable, Cuttings not documented, Division not documented, Layering not documented

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds