One-Seed Juniper

The one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma), like another conifer, the pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) can be a fantastic addition to a desert garden.

Originally from the high desert, one-seed juniper can get up to 25 feet tall and up to 15 feed wide. They can grow as little as six inches in a decade if water is scarce or they can grow four to five feet in a decade if water is more abundant. They also have the capacity to slow or speed up growth depending on precipitation and water availability.

Common throughout the western United States and Mexico and extending north into British Columbia, the one-seed juniper and hybridized relatives (it can and will hybridize with other junipers) are fairly easy to recognize.

Their several branches all rise from ground level. They have thin, gray, shedding bark. In the fall, the females of the species sport copper-colored berries about the size of small marbles, and covered with a blue wax. The berries are indeed beautiful and are a major source of food for mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk and coyote.

They also provide habitat for wildlife, particularly birds. Desert and Mexican jays love them. They can be home to scaled quail, ground squirrels, rabbits and jackrabbits, and a myriad of other desert creatures.

One-seed junipers are highly drought-tolerant, tough and deep-rooted. They can be found growing on rocky slopes, in rocky canyons and even in flat areas. Overgrazing in western North America has caused them to increase their range beyond their natural habitat.

Planting One-Seed Junipers

One-seed junipers will grow well in any type of soil and in full sun or even light shade. Plant with pinyon and other desert shrubs for really striking focal points, or plant perennial wildflowers under them for a different look.

Many nurseries in the west offer them for sale, as do many mail-order catalogues. Plant them as you would any other tree. There is no need to amend the soil, however. They will do well in any soil, and their roots are strong enough to penetrate caliche or hardpan.

Although they grow wild between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, they will grow well in lower elevations.

Their Uses

Native Americans used one-seed juniper for medicine, blankets, gum, dye, shoes, food and fuel. Today, herbalists still use the plant for certain remedies. The seeds are used in the manufacture of gin. One-seed junipers are also the base for small industries like rustic furniture, log homes, lumber, firewood, oils and scents.

In a fireplace, they create a really nice crackling fire (make sure the guard is in place). Their aromatic resins, although not at highly-scented as pinyon, are still very nice.

You can also shave a juniper branch and place it in a room, allowing the cedar-like aroma to permeate. It’s a very pleasant and fresh smell.

Additionally, if you’re in an area that receives snow, they are gorgeous when flocked by a heavy snowfall.