Upright Juniper

Rocky Mountain juniper is an evergreen conifer native to western North America, with scale-like foliage that ranges from blue-gray to green. This entry represents the species Juniperus scopulorum, a variable tree whose mature outline can be narrow, pyramidal, or more irregular. ## Form and landscape use NC State Extension lists a typical mature height of 30–40 feet and width of 3–15 feet, and USDA hardiness Zones 3–7. Its profile describes full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and tolerance of dry soil, drought, salt, and urban pollution. The plant is useful as a specimen or screen where there is room for its eventual height. The species’ native range spans western Canada and much of the western United States into northern Mexico; local climate and exposure influence growth and foliage color. The existing metric height is close to the lower end of that published range, and the width is close to its upper end. ## Maintenance Plant in sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Water during establishment; once rooted, avoid frequent irrigation and watch for stress in prolonged drought. Remove dead or damaged branches, and prune selectively to retain the natural form. Sources: [NC State Extension’s Rocky Mountain Juniper profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juniperus-scopulorum/) and [USDA’s Rocky Mountain Juniper plant guide](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_jusc2.pdf).