The California juniper is a woody tree/shrub native to western and southern desert mountains in California, Baja California, Arizona, and Nevada. It typically grows 10-15 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, with scale-like aromatic foliage. The species is dioecious, with female plants producing small green berries that turn red-brown when mature and contain 1-2 large seeds. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant suitable for erosion control, hedges, or as a small tree, providing habitat for birds. Propagation is from seed requiring cold treatment or from cuttings.

1. * California Juniper – Juniperus californica
(ju-NIP-er-us Kal-ih-FOR-nih-kuh )
Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
Native to: Western and southern desert mountains of CA to Baja and east to AZ & NV. Locally in
San Gabriels and in antelope Valley; on dry, alkaline slopes & flats below 5000 ft. in desert chaparral
and pinyon/juniper woodlands.
woody tree/shrub
mature height: 10-15+ ft. mature width: 10-20 ft.
Evergreen tree-like shrub or small tree – usually multi-trunk. Foliage is typical for junipers with
scale-like leaves and is aromatic and can be used for making juniper tea. Bark is light gray, thin and
shreddy. Form is upright with widely spreading branches. An attractive juniper. Older specimens
have interesting shapes. Slow-growing and long-lived (to 150 years in wild).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms are insignificant in spring.
plants).
Female plants produce juniper ‘berries’
immature; red-brown when mature in fall. Fruits
seeds. Fruits are used to flavor beverages (gin; tea)
Blooms/fruits:
Species is dioecious (separate male & female
(actually cones).
‘Berries’ are green when
are dry, sweet-tasting and contain 1-2 large
or cooked meats.
Uses in the garden: A hardy, water-wise juniper that can be used as a small tree. Also used for
informal hedges. Excellent wildlife habitat plant.
anywhere that you want a large juniper/cedar look.
Fine on dry slopes, for erosion control. Use it
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Junipers.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade.
Most local soil types and pH; prefers well-drained soils, but others OK.
Low needs once established; Zone 1-2 best in garden setting.
None
Prune for plant health and to shape (if desired).
like any other juniper.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: requires cold-moist treatment
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 14
Plant will drop leaves and fruits –
by cuttings: probably
11/29/11
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