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].

General Uses: The bark is employed as a tinder and is also made into a slow match[216, 257]. The crushed bark was twisted into a rope, tied at intervals with yucca (Yucca species), and wrapped into a coil. The free end was set on fire and kept smoldering by blowing on it at intervals. Fire could be carried in this fashion for several hours[257]. The bark can be wound around a stick and used as a torch to provide light and carry fire to a new campsite[257]. The bark can be rubbed between the hands until it is soft and the fibres can then be woven into clothing[257]. The bark can also be rolled into rope, coiled and then sown to form sandal shoes[257]. The root fibre is used to make twined baskets[257]. The branches have been burnt as an incense and fumigant in the home[257]. The dried seeds have been used as beads or as the 'rattle' in rattles[216]. Wood - very close-grained, light, soft, exceedingly durable. It is easily worked and can be exquisitely finished. Because of its small size, however, it is mainly used for fencing, fuel[46, 61, 82, 229].

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