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Description
Juniperus Monticola, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain juniper, is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is native to the western United States, where it grows at elevations of 5,000 to 10,000 feet. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a spread of 15 to 20 feet. It is a slow-growing tree that can live up to 800 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Juniperus |
Appearance
The Rocky Mountain juniper has a unique and beautiful appearance. It has a narrow, conical shape with a dense crown of blue-green foliage. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and are scale-like, with a length of about 0.1 inch. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown when young, turning into a grayish-brown with age. The tree produces small, brown cones that are about 0.4 inches in diameter.
Care Guide
Juniperus Monticola is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:
- Water: The tree is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
- Fertilization: The tree does not require fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Rocky Mountain juniper is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the foliage. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on the foliage and brown galls on the branches. It can be treated with fungicides.
- Phytophthora root rot: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the foliage. It can be prevented by planting the tree in well-draining soil.
Habitat
Juniperus Monticola is native to the western United States, where it grows in mountainous regions at elevations of 5,000 to 10,000 feet. It prefers dry, rocky areas and can tolerate cold winters and hot summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Juniperus Monticola be pruned?
A: Yes, the tree can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or damaged branches.Q: Does Juniperus Monticola produce fruit?
A: Yes, the tree produces small, brown cones that contain seeds.Q: Is Juniperus Monticola a good tree for landscaping?
A: Yes, the tree’s unique appearance and hardiness make it a good choice for landscaping in dry, rocky areas.Q: How long does Juniperus Monticola live?
A: The tree can live up to 800 years.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Juniperus Monticola:
- Juniperus chinensis
- Juniperus horizontalis
- Juniperus scopulorum
References
- “Juniperus monticola.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b630
- “Rocky Mountain juniper.” Colorado State University Extension. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/rocky-mountain-juniper-7-414/
- “Juniperus monticola – Rocky Mountain juniper.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262526-2
