One Juniper
Juniperus monosperma
One Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 10–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Needs a dry site.
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ
- Photo 2: (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 10–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~15 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Common problems on the Front Range
- Spider mites in heat
- Phomopsis and Kabatina tip blight
- Cedar-apple rust alternate host
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers (less for xeric pines in heavy clay, they're prone to root rot). Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, evergreens transpire year-round. Year 3: taper to twice per month in summer; only during extreme drought thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is One Juniper good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, One Juniper is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does One Juniper get?
- It matures to about 10–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide.
- How much room does One Juniper need?
- Give One Juniper about 15 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does One Juniper grow into?
- One Juniper typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is One Juniper hardy on the Front Range?
- One Juniper is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does One Juniper need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does One Juniper grow?
- One Juniper is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does One Juniper live?
- One Juniper is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is One Juniper native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is One Juniper deer-resistant?
- One Juniper is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is One Juniper prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- One Juniper can be affected by spider mites in heat and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
