|
Juniperus scopluorum
Common Name Rocky Mountain Juniper
Family Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
Description
This tree typically reaches 6 meters in height with a conical or pyramidal form. It has, like the Utah Juniper, shredded bark and scale-like leaves. Leaf color ranges from dark green to blue-green. Jardine Juniper, in Logan Canyon, is of this species and is over 3600 years old.
Range
Occurs in the intermountain west north into Canada and west to Nevada. Elevation: 5,000-9,000 feet.
Culture
Low, rocky slopes. Highly pH adaptable. Zones 3 - 7.
Value
One of the less drought adapted members of the local juniper clan, it is the most attractive with bluish-green foliage and usually a nice pyramidal form, but like ponderosa pine it can get sufficiently large that it can shade out other plants in the landscape.
Propagation
Easiest to buy from a nursery, but can be sown from seeds. To start indoors use a warm treatment of 60 to 90 days. For best results have alternating temperatures (a simulation of day and night) of about 55 to 60 degrees night and 75 to 85 day temperatures. Follow this with a cold treatment for 60 to 120 days. Seed will germinate sporadically over a period of one to 5 seasons depending on the seed lot, its origin and climactic condition of the year it was collected. Seedlings may be pricked out and planted as they germinate in the cold treatment. Only start outdoors if you don't mind waiting. Place seed in the desired location and incorporate 1" of sand to the soil. Place seed and cover with ¼" of soil. Watch for plants the following spring and several seasons to follow. Seed may lay dormant for many, many years.
|
A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.
Aldo Leopold
|
