Medora Juniper Tree

Medora is a narrow, compact selection of Rocky Mountain juniper, Juniperus scopulorum, valued for its blue-green evergreen foliage and upright outline. It was selected from western North Dakota’s Badlands and introduced by North Dakota State University. Its dense branching suits shelterbelts, windbreaks, privacy screens, and wildlife plantings. ## Form and site The [NDSU Campus Arboretum profile](https://www.ndsu.edu/campus-arboretum/medora-juniper) describes a 10–15-foot height, a 3–15-foot spread, and a narrow pyramidal form. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/juniperus-scopulorum-medora) also reports 10–15 feet tall and notes that mature width can reach about 5 feet; [Cornell’s woody plant database](https://woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu/cultivar/11202) reports a narrower 3-foot width. These sizes vary with site and growing conditions. The plant is hardy in cold prairie climates, tolerates drought, and prefers full sun with moist, well-drained soil; it also tolerates sandy soils. The selection is described as slow growing by OSU and moderate by NDSU, so growth rate depends on conditions. ## Maintenance Water regularly while a new plant establishes, then reduce irrigation as roots settle in. Occasional watering is usually sufficient after establishment. Little pruning is needed to maintain its narrow form; remove damaged or crossing branches selectively. Leave enough space for the plant to broaden as it matures, and avoid sites that remain waterlogged.