Eastern Juniper

Juniperus polycarpos

Native to:
Iran, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Cupressaceae
Genus:
Juniperus
Species:
Juniperus polycarpos
USDA Symbol:
JUPO4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Height:
2000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High

Keystone Species Ranking

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

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:
Mature trees can survive low-intensity fires due to thick bark; resprouts from crown after moderate fire damage.

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, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–180 days
Germination Time:
30–120 days
Notes:
Germination is often erratic and may require double dormancy breaking. Fresh seed may have better germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI