California Juniper
Juniperus californica
- Native to:
- Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © camilo_contreras (iNaturalist #100750591)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Juniperus
- Species:
- Juniperus californica
- USDA Symbol:
- JUCA7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 800 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- 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
Abagrotis hennei, Abagrotis mirabilis, Cudonigera houstonana, Gloveria arizonensis, Grammia geneura, Periploca atrata, Sequoia sphinx (Sphinx sequoiae), subtle pinion (Lithophane subtilis), Loki hairstreak (Mitoura loki), Siva Hairstreak (Mitoura siva)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; may resprout after low-severity fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid, desert-like conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 1-3 months to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for germination.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)