Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Juniperus

Species:

Juniperus ashei

USDA Symbol:

JUAS

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

900 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Thin bark makes it susceptible to fire; can resprout from base after low-severity fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained limestone soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

thrives on rocky hillsides and limestone outcrops

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification; germination can be slow and erratic.