Fassett's Juniper

Juniperus × fassettii

Native to:
Canada
Fassett's Juniper

Photo by David J. Stang

Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Cupressaceae
Genus:
Juniperus
Species:
Juniperus × fassettii
USDA Symbol:
JUFA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
400 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Abagrotis glenni, Abagrotis mirabilis, Coleotechnites occidentis, Eupithecia niphadophilata, Eupithecia placidata, Freyer's Pug (Eupithecia intricata), Henricus infernalis, Semiothisa setonana, Semiothisa triviata, Stamnoctenis morrisata, Juniper Hairstreak (Mitoura grynea), Nelson's hairstreak (Mitoura nelsoni), Siva Hairstreak (Mitoura siva)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Can resprout from base after light fire, but generally killed by intense fire. Mature plants have some fire resistance due to foliage structure.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
30–120 days
Notes:
Juniper seeds have deep dormancy; warm stratification followed by cold stratification improves germination. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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 optimal germination.

Source: Claude AI