Juniperus deppeana
alligator juniper
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Juniperus deppeana is an evergreen coniferous tree reaching 33-50 ft (10-15 m) tall, occasionally 65 ft (20 m), with a trunk 12-40 in (30-100 cm) in diameter. Its most identifiable feature is the bark: gray-brown and divided into squarish plates 0.8-2 in (2-5 cm) across, forming a checkered pattern compared to alligator hide. The crown is rounded to irregular and often branches low on older trees. Foliage consists of scale-like leaves 1-2 mm long, blue-green to gray-green, pressed against the twigs in opposite pairs. Most trees are dioecious, with pollen cones and seed cones on separate individuals. The seed cones are berry-like, 0.3-0.6 in (8-15 mm) across, reddish-brown to tan with dry, fibrous flesh, ripening over two seasons and holding 3-5 seeds. Growth is slow and trees may live several centuries. It grows on dry slopes and in oak-pine woodland between 4,900 and 8,900 ft (1,500-2,700 m). One limitation is its sensitivity to poorly drained soil, where root rot develops and shortens the tree's life in irrigated landscapes.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States, in Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, and through the mountains of northern and central Mexico south to Oaxaca. It occupies foothills and mid-elevation slopes of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan highlands.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen or shade tree in dry-climate and xeriscape plantings, spaced 16-26 ft (5-8 m) from structures. Also planted for erosion control on slopes and as wildlife habitat, since the cones are eaten by birds and mammals.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height33' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a conifer, J. deppeana produces no flowers. Pollen cones release pollen in spring, typically March to April. Seed cones develop through summer and ripen reddish-brown over two growing seasons.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
blue-green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight