Utah Juniper
Juniperus osteosperma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Juniperus
- Species:
- Juniperus osteosperma
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Lithophane longior, Sequoia sphinx (Sphinx sequoiae), Siva Hairstreak (Mitoura siva)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in arid, desert-like environments
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 98 days. Scarification techniques are also being examined, followed by warm stratification and then cold stratification.
Establishment: The protocols suggest different pre-treatment methods, with one suggesting cold moist stratification for 98 days and the other examining scarification techniques followed by warm and then cold stratification. The exact effectiveness of these methods is not provided.
Source: npn.rngr.net