Rocky Mountain juniper

Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.

Family: CupressaceaeZones: 3 to 7 per NC State

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No pet toxicity verdict is available for this plant: ASPCA has no page that assesses it (searched by species and common names). That is a gap, not an all-clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Juniperus scopulorum, not on the common name.. Western red cedar is also a common name used for this tree, and red cedar names are shared by other conifers. NC State says Rocky Mountain juniper is often confused with eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Check the scientific name on the tag.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 7 per NC State
Light: Full sun. Utah State rates its shade tolerance as low.
Water needs: low
Mature size: height: 30 to 40 ft (9 to 12 m); width: 3 to 15 ft (0.9 to 4.6 m); scope: species; varieties range from low creepers to narrow columns
Where it comes from: Western United States and western Canada, including the Rocky Mountains to Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas. Native states listed by NC State: CO, ID, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon

Anatomy & Guilds

Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics

How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Field Doctor

What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Vintage Plates

Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Sources

How we choose sources

Add to wishlist