Description

General: Cypress Family (Cupressaceae). Pinchot’s juniper grows to be a shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum height of 6 meters. Multiple stems coming from the base of the tree form a dense clump. The bark is thin and ashy-gray colored with longitudinal fissures. The branches are rigid, with slender ascending tips. Pinchot’s juniper has white sapwood and reddish-brown heartwood. The leaves on mature fruiting branches are triangular-ovate and pressed together in groups of two or three (1.5-2.5 mm long). The leaf margins are serrated with teeth that point forward. The fruits are variable in size, ranging in color from reddish to copper-brown. Each fruit has either one or two seeds. The seeds are 5 mm long, have a broad oval shape, and are chestnut brown in color.

Distribution: For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

Habitat: Found on open flats, dry hills, in arroyos, and in canyons.