Juniperus texensis Van Melle
Scientific Name: Juniperus texensis Van Melle
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| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Usda Symbol | JUTE4 |
| Group | Gymnosperm |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Habits | ShrubTree, |
| Native Locations | JUTE4 |
Plant Guide
Alternate Names
Pinchot’s juniper
Uses
Ethnobotanic: The Comanche used Pinchot’s juniper as a treatment for headaches, vertigo, and ghost sickness. For these ailments the Comanche would sprinkle dried leaves over hot coals and inhale the smoke. The Comanche also used an extract of the dried and pulverized roots of Pinchot’s juniper for menstrual problems.
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
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. from
Native Trees of Texas
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.
Adaptation
Low to moderate intensity fires will kill seedlings and saplings, Mature trees, will resprout after top-kill by fire if soil is protecting the basal bud zone, Once top-killed, mature trees require 3-50 years to attain pre-fire height, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Juniperus texensis Van Melle.,
Establishment
Pinchot’s juniper requires two years of above average precipitation for seedling establishment. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Reproduction also occurs from resprouting of already established plants. Following injury or top removal, Pinchot’s juniper will resprout from the base of the stem.
Management
Fire has been successfully used to prevent the encroachment of Pinchot’s juniper on rangeland. For further information regarding the use of fire to manage the tree consult your local land management agency.
Pests and Potential Problems
Grown in its native habitat and using local seed stock, Pinchot’s juniper should not be prone to debilitating pests. Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Contact your local Natural Resources
Conservation
Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone book under ”United States Government.” The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading “Department of Agriculture.”