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Juniperus ashei

Image of Juniperus ashei

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

Juniperus ashei

Plant Common Name

Ashe's Juniper

General Description

An evergreen conifer with a low-branching trunk and a picturesque, rounded, open crown, this large shrub or small tree is native to a narrow range of the south-central United States and northern Mexico.

The aromatic, dark green, scale-like foliage of Ashe's juniper is borne on spreading, gray-brown branches that become shaggy-barked with age. The fragrant, decay-resistant wood was traditionally used for fence posts and cedarwood oil. Female plants bear large quantities of large, dark blue, fleshy "berries" which are a favorite winter food of birds and other wildlife. The rare golden-cheeked warbler builds its nest using strips of Ashe juniper's shredding bark.

This hardy, adaptable evergreen requires full sun, well-drained soil, and low summer humidity. It is highly tolerant of drought, heat, and poor, rocky soils, but cannot withstand soggy or wet locations. An excellent wildlife plant, it is beautiful whether planted as a specimen, screen or windbreak.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 4

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m

  • Width

    10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m

  • Native To

    South-Central United States, Texas, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Dark Blue

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes