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Utah Juniper

Juniperus osteosperma

The Utah Juniper is a sturdy tree that grows in dry places. It has green, needle-like leaves and produces small berries that are loved by birds and other animals.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Utah Juniper is a rugged, evergreen conifer with a gnarled trunk and distinctive reddish-brown, shreddy bark. It has tiny, scale-like, yellowish-green leaves and produces small, waxy, blue-grey cones that look like berries. Its often irregular, rounded crown stands out in arid landscapes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyCupressaceaeGenusJuniperus
Utah Juniper
aromatic trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
Utah Juniper

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Indigenous people traditionally used juniper bark for weaving and crafting baskets.

Its 'berries' are actually fleshy cones, not true fruit, containing tiny seeds!

Some ancient Utah Junipers have been alive since before America was a country!

This tree's super-strong wood was used by early pioneers for fence posts and fuel.

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Master

Utah Juniper can grow deep taproots and has waxy, scale-like leaves that help it survive extreme dry spells.

Ability

Ancient Survivor

Utah Juniper has incredibly dense, decay-resistant wood that helps it live for many hundreds of years, enduring harsh climates.

Ability

Rocky Footing

Utah Juniper has a strong root system that anchors it firmly, allowing it to thrive on steep, rocky slopes.

Measurements & details

Height
300-700 cm
Spread
200-500 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.4 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be careful not to touch sharp needles on the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Utah Juniper?

300-700 cm

How wide does Utah Juniper spread?

200-500 cm

How big are the flowers on Utah Juniper?

0.2-0.4 cm

When does Utah Juniper bloom?

Spring

Is Utah Juniper edible?

Yes

Is Utah Juniper toxic?

Mild

What is Utah Juniper's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Utah Juniper pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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