Juniperus occidentalis Western juniper (Cupressaceae) Evergreen tree

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Juniperus occidentalis
Western juniper
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Juniperus occidentalis plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to the Sierra Nevada. It is a member of the Cupressaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Western juniper. Some home gardeners know the variety as J. pyriformis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Juniperus occidentalis
Common Name:  Western juniper
Family:  Cupressaceae
Author:  Hook.f.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  18   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Usually found on thin rocky or sandy soils[229] on desert foothills and lower mountains[60], also on windswept peaks[82] up to elevations of 3,000 metres where they become low gnarled shrubs[229].

Propagation Notes: The seed requires a period of cold stratification. The seed has a hard seedcoat and can be very slow to germinate, requiring a cold period followed by a warm period and then another cold spell, each of 2 - 3 months duration[78, 81]. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process[11]. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some might germinate in the following spring, though most will take another year. Another possibility is to harvest the seed 'green' (when the embryo has fully formed but before the seedcoat has hardened). The seedlings can be potted up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in pots until large enough, then plant out in early summer. When stored dry, the seed can remain viable for several years[1]. Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. Plant out in the following autumn[1, 78]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[78].

For further Juniperus occidentalis gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future