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Description
Juniperus Ashei, also known as Ashe juniper, mountain cedar, or blueberry juniper, is a species of evergreen tree in the cypress family. It is native to North America, specifically the southwestern United States and Mexico. The tree can reach up to 10-20 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 60 centimeters. Its bark is gray-brown and scaly, and its leaves are needle-like and arranged in whorls of three.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
Appearance
The Ashe juniper has a pyramidal or columnar shape, with a dense crown of foliage. Its needles are blue-green to gray-green in color and are about 1 centimeter long. The tree produces small, berry-like cones that are blue-black in color and about 6-8 millimeters in diameter. The cones take two years to mature and contain one or two seeds each. The tree’s wood is fragrant and durable, making it a popular choice for furniture and fenceposts.
Care Guide
Ashe junipers are relatively easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for keeping your tree healthy:- Water: Junipers prefer well-drained soil and don’t like to be overwatered. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.- Soil: Ashe junipers can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefer a slightly acidic soil with good drainage.- Sunlight: Junipers do well in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Ashe junipers are hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ashe junipers are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by the following:- Cedar-apple rust: A fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves and fruit.- Spider mites: Tiny insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.- Bagworms: Caterpillars that feed on the foliage and can defoliate the tree if left untreated.
Habitat
Ashe junipers are found in a variety of habitats, from dry, rocky slopes to moist, wooded areas. They are often found growing alongside oak trees and other juniper species. The tree is an important source of food and cover for wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time of year to prune an Ashe juniper?
A: Prune your juniper in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Q: Can Ashe junipers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, but they will need to be repotted every few years as they outgrow their container.
Q: How fast do Ashe junipers grow?
A: Junipers are slow-growing trees, typically adding only a few inches of growth per year.
Q: Are Ashe junipers drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Ashe junipers are adapted to dry conditions and can survive extended periods of drought.
Related Plants
– Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar)- Juniperus communis (Common juniper)- Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper)- Juniperus sabina (Savin juniper)
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Juniperus ashei. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUAS- Texas A&M Forest Service. (n.d.). Ashe juniper. https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/juniperus-ashei/- USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Juniperus ashei. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/junashei/all.html
