Temple Juniper

Juniperus rigida

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Russia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Cupressaceae
Genus:
Juniperus
Species:
Juniperus rigida
USDA Symbol:
JURI3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

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 Notes:
Junipers are generally fire-sensitive with thin bark and resinous foliage that burns readily. Does not resprout after fire.

Soil Requirements

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 90–180 days
Germination Time:
30–365 days
Notes:
Seeds have deep dormancy requiring warm stratification followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and may take over a year.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI