Juniperus californica

Common Names

California Juniper, Desert White Cedar, California White Cedar, Californian Juniper

Summary

California juniper is an evergreen conifer native to southwestern North America, primarily California, with range into Baja California, southern Nevada, and western Arizona, commonly found on dry rocky slopes and in pinyon–juniper woodlands. It grows as a shrub or small tree with a rounded crown and multi‑stemmed form; foliage is bluish‑gray with scale‑like leaves in adults and needle‑like leaves on seedlings; bark is gray and shredded. Cones are berry‑like, blue‑brown with a waxy bloom, 7–13 mm in diameter, maturing reddish‑brown and usually containing a single seed; it is largely dioecious. Hardiness includes tolerance to about 10°F, with full sun to partial shade, and very low water needs after establishment; plants typically reach 3–8 m tall and are wider than tall, thriving in fast to medium, coarse, well‑drained, low‑nutrient soil, pH 7.0–8.0.

In cultivation, it tolerates heat and drought, prefers full sun, and requires very low irrigation; after establishment summer watering is limited to about once per month. Soils should drain quickly, being coarse, well‑drained, and low in nutrients, typically with a P H of 7.0–8.0. Common landscape uses include ornamental plantings in hot, dry climates, erosion control and bank stabilization, hedges, and wildlife habitat; berries attract birds and mammals. Maintenance includes winter pruning to maintain shape; plant is hardy to Zone 8.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-26 ft

Spread

3-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, coarse, rocky, low-nutrient soil, pH 7.0–8.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

7.0–8.0

Bloom Color

Blue-brown with a whitish waxy bloom.

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Bluish-gray, deep rich green (glaucous on young plants), emerald green, light green, yellow-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow-growing, 2–4 inches per year (5–10 cm/year).

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Air layering, Ground layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies