Rocky Mountain Juniper - Juniperus scopulorum

Juniperus means rough; scopulorum refers to the fact that the tree grows on cliffs, crags or rocky outcrops. The Juniper is probably the most widely planted woody plant in gardens in the western United States.

A native of the drier sites of the entire Rocky Mountains, this species has found its way into the city landscape under several conal names such as ‘Blue Haven’, se lecte for the blue- green foliage; ‘Colo rad Green’ for the - greenish foliage; and Gray Gleam for the silvery- gray foliage.

Like the Colorado spruce, this juniper will vary greatly in foliage color as well as growth habit. Leaves are reduced to triangular, overlapping scales. The fruit, known as a “berry” is really a modified cone, thus the junipers justly belong to the conifer group. All parts contain an aromatic resin of pleasant fragrance. The “berries” are used to flavor gin. It is very difficult to distinguish this species from the close, eastern relative, J virginiana. Both are grown in Colorado. Scopulorum juniper is hardy to at least 8,500’ elevation and will thrive on dry, rocky south exposures.

Overwatering and planting in heavy clay soils are the big enemies of this species in Denver’s landscapes.

Other locations in Denver

Everywhere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_Juniper