Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Juniperus

Species:

Juniperus rigida var. conferta

USDA Symbol:

JUCO12

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Ground Cover:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to coastal areas, tolerates salt spray

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–120 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require warm stratification followed by cold stratification; germination is often erratic and may take multiple seasons.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI