Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)
The common juniper is one of the most widespread junipers, found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Growing as a shrub (5-10 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide) or occasionally a small tree (up to 25 feet), it adapts to rocky, dry soils in zones 2-8. Its needle-like, sharp, gray-green to blue-green leaves grow in whorls of three, unlike the scale-like foliage of many junipers, and turn yellowish in winter. Producing small, blue-black berry-like cones used to flavor gin, it thrives in full sun and tolerates harsh conditions, making it ideal for ground cover or wildlife habitats.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Native to eastern North America, the Eastern red cedar is a columnar tree reaching 40-50 feet tall and 8-20 feet wide in zones 2-9. Its scale-like, dark green to blue-green leaves shift reddish in cold weather, and its reddish-brown bark peels in strips. The tree yields pale blue to dark blue cones with a waxy bloom, attracting birds. Drought-tolerant and aromatic, its wood is prized for furniture, while its dense growth suits windbreaks or privacy screens, though it can host cedar-apple rust near orchards.
California Juniper (Juniperus californica)
The California juniper, native to the southwestern U.S., grows as a shrub or small tree (10-26 feet tall) in zones 8-10. Its bluish-gray, scale-like leaves and shredded, ashy-gray bark give it a rugged look, while dark blue-brown cones (0.5 inches) with a whitish bloom mature in 8-9 months. Thriving in arid, alkaline soils and full sun, it’s drought-tolerant and often used for erosion control or bonsai. Its spreading habit makes it a natural fit for desert landscapes.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
Creeping juniper, a North American native, is a low-growing shrub (6 inches to 2 feet tall, spreading 6-10 feet) perfect as ground cover in zones 3-9. Its soft, needle-like to scale-like foliage shifts from blue-green in summer to plum hues in winter, with some cultivars showing yellow tones. Producing small, blue-white cones, it excels in rocky or sandy soils with full sun, resisting deer and drought. Its trailing branches control erosion on slopes or enhance rock gardens.
Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Originating from East Asia, the Chinese juniper varies from shrubs (3-20 feet) to trees (up to 60 feet) in zones 4-9. Its foliage can be needle-like (juvenile) or scale-like (mature), ranging from green to blue-gray, with cultivars like ‘Hollywood’ showing twisted forms. Small, bluish cones add subtle charm. Adaptable to well-drained soils and full sun, it’s a landscaping favorite for hedges, topiaries, or specimens, tolerating urban conditions but needing protection from wet roots.
Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
Native to western North America, this tree grows 20-40 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide in zones 3-7, with a narrow, pyramidal shape. Its scale-like, blue-green to gray-green leaves and reddish-brown, peeling bark complement its small, dark blue cones with a waxy coating. Thriving in dry, rocky soils and full sun, it’s drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, making it ideal for high-altitude windbreaks or accent trees, though it’s susceptible to rust in humid areas.
Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana)
The alligator juniper, from the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, reaches 20-50 feet tall in zones 7-9, with a broad, irregular crown. Named for its distinctive, checkered, alligator-like bark, it has scale-like, blue-gray leaves and reddish-brown cones (0.5-1 inch). Hardy in dry, rocky soils with full sun, it’s slow-growing and drought-tolerant, perfect for xeriscaping or screening. Its unique bark and resilience make it a striking addition to arid landscapes.
Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
Native to the western U.S., the Utah juniper grows 10-25 feet tall in zones 4-8, often as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Its gray-green, scale-like leaves and thin, shredding bark pair with dark blue cones that take 1-2 years to mature. Thriving in poor, dry soils and full sun, it’s ultra-drought-tolerant and cold-hardy, suiting high-desert gardens or naturalized areas. Its twisted form and wildlife value add rugged charm.
One-Seed Juniper (Juniperus monosperma)
Native to the southwestern U.S., the one-seed juniper is a small tree or large shrub, growing 10-30 feet tall in zones 5-9. Its scale-like, blue-green foliage contrasts with its thin, fibrous bark, which peels in strips. Unlike most junipers, its bluish cones contain a single seed instead of multiple. Extremely drought-tolerant, it thrives in arid, rocky soils and full sun, commonly found in high desert landscapes. Its gnarled growth habit makes it a striking ornamental, while its wood is traditionally used for fence posts and firewood.
Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)
The Western juniper, native to the western U.S., grows as a rugged tree, reaching 30-60 feet tall in zones 4-8. Its dense, scale-like, blue-green foliage and reddish-brown bark complement its small, berry-like, blue cones with a heavy waxy coating. Thriving in dry, rocky soils, it’s highly drought-resistant, often seen in mountainous and volcanic regions. Its twisted, weathered appearance makes it a unique feature in xeriscapes, while its wood is valued for its durability and aromatic qualities.
Sierra Juniper (Juniperus grandis)
Closely related to the Western juniper, the Sierra juniper is a high-altitude species found in California and Nevada’s Sierra Nevada range. Growing 30-50 feet tall in zones 5-8, it features dark green, scale-like foliage, reddish bark, and dark blue, berry-like cones. Adapted to rocky, mountainous terrain, it withstands extreme cold, snow, and drought. With its gnarled, ancient-looking trunks, this slow-growing species is a favorite for natural landscapes and bonsai enthusiasts.
Tam Juniper (Juniperus sabina ‘Tamariscifolia’)
A popular cultivated variety, the Tam juniper is a low-growing, spreading shrub, reaching 2-3 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide in zones 3-7. Its soft, feathery, blue-green foliage forms dense mounds, making it excellent for ground cover, erosion control, or cascading over walls. Adapted to dry, well-drained soils and full sun, it is resistant to drought, deer, and pollution. However, its foliage can be toxic to pets and livestock if ingested.
Shore Juniper (Juniperus conferta)
Native to Japan’s coastal regions, the shore juniper is a low-growing, creeping shrub (1-2 feet tall, spreading 6-10 feet) ideal for erosion control in zones 5-9. Its needle-like, bright green to blue-green foliage is soft-textured and salt-tolerant, making it perfect for coastal gardens. Small, bluish cones add seasonal interest. Thriving in sandy, well-drained soils and full sun, it’s excellent for slopes, rock gardens, and seaside landscapes.
Pfitzer Juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana)
A hybrid between Chinese and Savin junipers, the Pfitzer juniper is a fast-growing, spreading shrub reaching 5-10 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide in zones 3-9. Its scale-like, gray-green foliage and arching branches make it a popular choice for foundation plantings, hedges, or mass plantings. Highly drought- and pollution-tolerant, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils but can become overgrown without pruning.
Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)
A dwarf cultivar of the flaky juniper, the Blue Star juniper is a compact, slow-growing shrub (1-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide) prized for its silvery-blue, needle-like foliage in zones 4-8. Its dense, mounded form makes it a striking accent in rock gardens, borders, or containers. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, it resists drought and deer, requiring minimal maintenance beyond occasional shaping.
Wichita Blue Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’)
A cultivated variety of the Rocky Mountain juniper, Wichita Blue grows as a narrow, pyramidal tree (10-15 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide) with striking silvery-blue foliage in zones 3-7. Its dense, upright form makes it an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, or specimen plantings. Extremely drought- and cold-hardy, it thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, maintaining its vibrant color year-round without fading to dull green in winter.
Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’)
A popular ground-covering juniper, Blue Rug juniper spreads low and wide, reaching only 4-6 inches in height but extending 6-10 feet in zones 3-9. Its silvery-blue, scale-like foliage turns purplish in winter, making it a year-round standout. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, ideal for erosion control, slopes, and rock gardens. Drought-resistant and low-maintenance, it forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat over time.
Moonglow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Moonglow’)
A striking columnar variety, Moonglow juniper grows 15-20 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide in zones 3-7. Its dense, silvery-blue, scale-like foliage maintains its color year-round, providing an elegant focal point in landscapes. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, this juniper is drought-tolerant and ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, or specimen plantings. With its narrow, upright form, it requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape.
Mint Julep Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Mint Julep’)
This fast-growing, arching shrub reaches 4-6 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide in zones 4-9. Its bright mint-green, scale-like foliage gives it a lush, soft appearance, making it a popular choice for hedges, foundation plantings, or topiary. Adapted to full sun and well-drained soils, Mint Julep juniper is drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’)
Also known as the twisted juniper, Hollywood juniper is a sculptural, irregularly shaped tree reaching 15-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide in zones 4-9. Its deep green, scale-like foliage and naturally twisting branches make it a dramatic focal point in landscapes. Drought-tolerant and resilient, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, commonly used in coastal gardens, Asian-inspired landscapes, or as a statement tree.
Grey Owl Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’)
A low-spreading, soft-textured juniper, Grey Owl grows 3-4 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide in zones 3-9. Its feathery, silver-gray foliage contrasts beautifully with its small, bluish berry-like cones. This drought-tolerant, deer-resistant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, or mass plantings. Its graceful, arching branches provide a soft, natural look to landscapes.
Parsons Juniper (Juniperus davurica ‘Parsonsii’)
A compact, mounding juniper, Parsons juniper grows 2-3 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide in zones 4-9. Its dense, bluish-green, scale-like foliage retains its color throughout the year. Well-suited for ground cover, slopes, or foundation plantings, it thrives in full sun, resisting drought, pests, and urban pollution. Its neat, rounded shape makes it a great choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
Bar Harbor Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Bar Harbor’)
A prostrate, creeping juniper, Bar Harbor spreads 6-8 feet wide but remains only 12-18 inches tall in zones 3-9. Its soft, blue-green foliage turns a purplish hue in winter. This variety excels in full sun and sandy, rocky, or well-drained soils, making it a top choice for erosion control, ground cover, or seaside gardens. Its rapid growth and salt tolerance make it ideal for coastal landscapes.
Blue Pacific Juniper (Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’)
A tough, low-growing variety, Blue Pacific juniper reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 5-6 feet wide in zones 6-9. Its dense, soft, needle-like foliage is deep blue-green, with excellent salt and drought tolerance. Thriving in full sun and sandy, well-drained soils, it’s perfect for coastal gardens, erosion control, or ground cover in difficult areas. It requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.