western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)
(click on each photo to enlarge image)
Needles: Combination of scale-like and awl-like
needles on most branches; back of each needle has a white or clear resin
dot. Distinctive fragrance.
Fruit: Small, round,
blue "berry" (actually a
non-woody cone); leathery rather than woody.
Bark: Thin, reddish-brown, and fibrous or scaly.
Distribution: Native to mountain slopes
and high plateaus of the Pacific Northwest. Found 500-10,000 ft. (3100
common juniper (Juniperus communis)
Form: Grows primarily at high elevations. Has
a matted growth form; grows only as a shrub in the Pacific Nortwest,
but may grow upright in other regions
of the world.
Needles: Has individual needle-like, sharp-pointed
leaves about 1/2 inch long; no needles are scale-like.
Fruits: small, round, blue "berries"
(actually a leathery cone)
Range: Although limited in Oregon, it has
one of the widest distributions of any woody plant in the world.
Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
Resembles western juniper, except that its needles do not have resin dots.
- Leaves: small, scale-like and pressed tightly to the twig; often blue or
- Fruits: Small. blue "berries" (actually leathery cones).
- Grows primarily in or near
the Rocky Mountains.
For more information about these species,
see "Trees to Know
by common name trees
by scientific name dichotomous
a book "Trees to Know" more
informational sites contact us