Western Juniper
Juniperus occidentalis
Also listed as Sabina occidentalis, Chamaecyparis boursieri
Also known as Sierra Juniper
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy native conifer of the interior western United States with soft, feathery foliage and gnarled, picturesque branching. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it ideal for xeriscape gardens and arid climates.
Why grow it
Western juniper offers superior cold and drought tolerance compared to many ornamental conifers, making it a reliable choice for high-elevation and arid intermountain zones where moisture is limited. Its picturesque form and low fertility requirements mean it requires minimal pruning, fertilizer, or supplemental water once established, contrasting with more demanding ornamental junipers. The dense foliage and branching structure provide excellent wildlife habitat and screening, particularly in zones 4-9 across the interior West.
Watch out for
Western juniper can take several years to establish a deep root system in newly planted landscapes, so initial supplemental watering during the first growing season improves survival rates. The dense canopy can trap moisture and reduce air circulation around the base, so avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or in humid climates where fungal issues are common. Dense plantings may require selective thinning if used for screening, since crowded specimens can become less attractive and more prone to disease.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Interior Pacific Northwest and Great Basin (Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada)
Native to: California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A hardy native conifer of the interior western United States with soft, feathery foliage and gnarled, picturesque branching. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it ideal for xeriscape gardens and arid climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Juniper grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western juniper offers superior cold and drought tolerance compared to many ornamental conifers, making it a reliable choice for high-elevation and arid intermountain zones where moisture is limited. Its picturesque form and low fertility requirements mean it requires minimal pruning, fertilizer, or supplemental water once established, contrasting with more demanding ornamental junipers. The dense foliage and branching structure provide excellent wildlife habitat and screening, particularly in zones 4-9 across the interior West.
Watch out for
Western juniper can take several years to establish a deep root system in newly planted landscapes, so initial supplemental watering during the first growing season improves survival rates. The dense canopy can trap moisture and reduce air circulation around the base, so avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or in humid climates where fungal issues are common. Dense plantings may require selective thinning if used for screening, since crowded specimens can become less attractive and more prone to disease.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Interior Pacific Northwest and Great Basin (Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada)
Native to: California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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