Rocky mountain juniper is a plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the juniper family, and it is a coniferous shrub that can grow to be 33 feet tall. The leaves of the rocky mountain juniper are evergreen, and they are arranged in whorls of three. The leaves are scale-like, and they are green or blue-green in color. The cones of the rocky mountain juniper are berry-like, and they are blue or purple in color. The berries of the rocky mountain juniper are edible, and they are often used in pies and jams. The wood of the rocky mountain juniper is soft, and it is often used for making furniture.
Popular name
- Eastern redcedar
- Pencil cedar
- Southern redcedar
- Virginia cedar
- Northern white cedar
Things to Know
- Rocky mountain junipers are native to North America and can be found in the Rocky Mountains.
- They are evergreen trees that can grow to be 30-40 feet tall.
- The leaves of the rocky mountain juniper are needle-like and arranged in pairs.
- The bark of the tree is thin and reddish-brown in color.
- The cones of the rocky mountain juniper are small and blue-black in color.
- The trees prefer to grow in rocky, well-drained soil.
- They are tolerant of drought and cold temperatures.
- Rocky mountain junipers are often used as ornamental plants in landscaping.
- The wood of the tree is strong and durable, making it suitable for use in construction and other woodworking projects.
- Rocky mountain junipers are susceptible to infestation by the juniper webworm.
Growing Steps
- For rocky mountain juniper, first step is to find an area with good drainage.
- Next, clear the area of any debris and remove any existing plants.
- Then, till the soil to a depth of about 8 inches.
- After that, spread a 2-inch layer of organic compost over the tilled area.
- Next, you need to obtain rocky mountain juniper seeds or seedlings from a nursery.
- Plant the seeds or seedlings in the prepared area, spacing them about 18 inches apart.
- Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the plants as needed to maintain their shape.
- Enjoy your beautiful Rocky Mountain Junipers!
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, rocky mountain juniper grows in a wide range of soil conditions. It is tolerant of very dry, infertile soils as well as moderately fertile, well-drained soils. It also grows in heavy, clay soils and shallow, rocky soils.
Light condition
So, like the other plants, the Rocky Mountain juniper needs sunlight to grow. Without sunlight, the plant will not be able to produce the food it needs to survive. The plant usually grows in areas that get a lot of sun, such as on the side of a hill or in a open meadow.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition in the Rocky Mountain juniper is cool to cold. The average temperature in the summer is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in the winter is about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity Requirement
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. The plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate full sun. Avoid placing the plant in drafts or near heating vents. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
The Fertilizer
The fertilizer, usually the plant 's natural environment, provides the rocky mountain juniper with the essential nutrients needed for proper growth. The roots act as anchors, helping to keep the plant firmly in place in the soil. Additionally, the roots help to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
About light
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Rocky Mountain juniper healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches, and to promote new growth. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Plant Propagation
Propagation is best accomplished by seed, but rooting of softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can also be successful. Sow seed in a cold frame in early spring. Cuttings can be taken from young trees in late spring or early summer.
Growth Speed
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the environment. The average rate is 1.5 inches per year. There are many different contributing factors to plant growth rate including temperature, moisture, light, soil type, and nutrients.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are mostly related to its growth habit. The tree tends to be very slow growing, and it often produces multiple thin, weak stems instead of a single strong one. This can make the tree unstable and susceptible to wind damage. In addition, the needles of the rocky mountain juniper are often very sharp, making them a potential hazard for people and animals.
Growing Tips
- Make sure to provide rocky mountain juniper plants with plenty of sunlight. They need at least six hours of sunlight each day to thrive.
- Plant rocky mountain junipers in well-drained soil. They will not do well in soggy or waterlogged conditions.
- Water rocky mountain junipers regularly, especially during periods of drought. They are tolerant of occasional drought but will not thrive if they do not receive enough water.
- Fertilize rocky mountain junipers once or twice a year using a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune rocky mountain junipers as needed to keep them tidy and to promote new growth.
- Rocky mountain junipers are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to scale insects and juniper canker. Watch for these problems and treat them promptly if they occur.
- Rocky mountain junipers can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be stratified
Related Plants
- Rocky Mountain Genus of evergreen trees and shrubs belong to Juniperus subfamily - Juniperoideae.
- Dwarf Mountain Juniper is an evergreen shrub belonging to Giembre subfamily - Juniperoideae.
- Sierra Juniper is an evergreen tree belonging to Juniperus subfamily - Juniperoideae.
- Red Mountain Juniper is an evergreen tree belonging to Juniperus subfamily - Juniperoideae.
- Pointleaf Mountain Juniper is an evergreen tree belonging to Juniperus subfamily - Juniperoideae.
- Rocky Mountain Genus of evergreen trees and shrubs belong to Juniperus subfamily - Juniperoideae.
- Rocky Mountain subspecies of Juniperus virginiana belongs to Juniperus subfamily, Virginian.
- Mountain Juniper is an evergreen sub
Source:
Rocky Mountain Juniper - Idaho State University
In Search of Rocky Mountain Juniper - academia.edu
ENH-483/ST324: Juniperus scopulorum: Rocky Mountain Juniper
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
