Leaves: The scale-like leaves are arranged in opposite pairs. They are green or gray-green, with no resin dots like those on Western Juniper.
Cones: The cones form small,soft, juicy berries that are blue and coated with a white film.
Bark: The bark is reddish-brown. On larger trees, it breaks into flat ridges with long flaky scales.
Where it grows: Rocky Mountain Juniper is not common in the Northwest. It grows in a few mountainous, dry areas in central Washington and the northeast corners of Oregon and Washington. It also grows throughout much of the Rocky Mountains.
Uses: There are several popular cultivars of this species. It is also a popular bonsai plant.
Names: The name scopulorum refers to "tree growing in rocky ground."
© 2012 Ken Denniston