Virginia Tech Dendrology

oneseed juniper Cupressaceae Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg. symbol: JUMO
Leaf: Evergreen, scale-like, pointed, most are tight and crowded on the twig in opposite pairs resulting in a slightly square twig, on vigorous shoots a few are awl-like and point away from the twig; yellow- to gray-green.
Flower: Species is dioecious; males are small pale yellow in large clusters at ends of twigs; females are small, round pale green.
Fruit: Berry-like cones, round, 1/4 inch in diameter, bluish brown glaucous, stays soft and juicy at maturity, 1 seed per fruit, matures in one growing season.
Twig: Moderately stout, somewhat angular, initially covered with tight, yellow-green, scale-like leaves, later turning reddish brown.
Bark: Brown to gray with very irregular furrows and scaly, exfoliating ridges.
Form: A small, shrubby tree up to 25 feet tall, up turned branches develop close to the ground producing an open, round crown.
Looks like: Utah juniper - Rocky Mountain juniper - alligator juniper - Arizona cypress

Additional Range Information: Juniperus monosperma is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database
All material 2025 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information