# Rocky Mountain Juniper (*Juniperus scopulorum*) The Rocky Mountain Juniper is a small tree or shrub with beautiful greenish-blue berries. It grows in rocky places and is great for wildlife, providing food and shelter. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 8 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Rocky Mountain Juniper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Juniperus_scopulorum_tree.jpg&width=800) Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Exten, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juniperus_scopulorum_tree.jpg) ## Appearance The Rocky Mountain Juniper is an evergreen tree or large shrub with a distinct conical or irregular shape. It has tiny, scale-like, blue-green needles pressed against its reddish-brown, shredding bark. Its small, round, waxy 'berries' are a striking bluish-purple. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Pinopsida - **Order:** Pinales - **Family:** Cupressaceae - **Genus:** Juniperus ## Interesting facts - Its fragrant wood is naturally moth-repellent, often used to line old-fashioned clothes chests! - Its roots can stretch deep underground, anchoring it firmly on windy mountain slopes! - The 'berries' are actually cones with fused scales, taking two years to ripen! - This juniper can grow in very poor soil where other trees simply cannot survive! ## Special abilities - **Drought Champion:** Rocky Mountain Juniper has thick, waxy scales instead of leaves that help it store water and survive in dry, rocky places. - **Mountain Survivor:** This juniper can withstand harsh winds and freezing temperatures, allowing it to thrive in tough, high-altitude environments. - **Flavorful Defense:** Its 'berries' contain aromatic oils that deter many herbivores, but attract birds who then spread its seeds far and wide. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 300-1500 cm - **Spread:** 150-600 cm - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** Mild - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Wind ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Consumes its blue 'berries' in winter. - **Eaten by:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Browses its foliage, especially during harsh winters. - **Eaten by:** [Phainopepla](https://www.snappit.app/explore/phainopepla) (*Phainopepla nitens*) — Eats its 'berries' and aids in seed dispersal. - **Shelter:** [Blue-headed Vireo](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-headed-vireo) (*Vireo solitarius*) — Builds nests in its dense branches for cover. ## Traits - [Aromatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aromatic): Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators. - [Shrub](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shrub): A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground. - [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage. - [Coniferous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coniferous): Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones. - [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once. - [Fruit Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-bearing): Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not eat the berries without asking an adult, as some plants can be harmful. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Rocky Mountain Juniper? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Rocky Mountain Juniper? 300-1500 cm ### How wide does Rocky Mountain Juniper spread? 150-600 cm ### Is Rocky Mountain Juniper edible? Yes ### Is Rocky Mountain Juniper toxic? Mild ### What is Rocky Mountain Juniper's lifecycle? Perennial ### How is Rocky Mountain Juniper pollinated? Wind ### Where is Rocky Mountain Juniper usually found? Mountain regions ## Where to spot - [Barrio De Analco Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barrio-de-analco-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Bryce Canyon Lodge Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bryce-canyon-lodge-historic-district) — Utah, US · Historic District - [Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Trails Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bryce-canyon-national-park-scenic-trails-historic-district) — Utah, US · Trail - [Dinosaur Ridge](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dinosaur-ridge) — Colorado, US · Natural Landmark - [Camino del Monte Sol Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/camino-del-monte-sol-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Fort Yellowstone](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-yellowstone) — Wyoming, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Rocky Mountain Juniper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/rocky-mountain-juniper) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Rocky Mountain Juniper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rocky-mountain-juniper)