Southern Utah University

Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Campus Features

    1. Tree Tour

      1. Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

        Latin Name - Juniperus scopulorum
        Height - 30-40 feet
        Spread - 10-15 feet
        Growth Rate - Slow
        USDA Zone - 4 to 9
        Drought Tolerance - High

        A small evergreen tree, Rocky Mountain juniper is found in our state at elevations of 5000 to 9000 feet. It forms more of a Christmas tree shape than its ubiquitous, lower elevation cousin, Utah juniper. Rocky Mountain juniper is widespread from western Canada throughout much of the western United States. In the nursery industry it is usually represented by selected cultivars with dense foliage and compact form. The oldest known (and barely living!) tree in Utah, the fabled Jardine Juniper of Logan Canyon is a Rocky Mountain juniper. It is also the national champion (largest) Rocky Mountain juniper in the United States.