Family: Cupressaceae
Author: (Engelm.) Sarg.
Bibliography: Silva N. Amer. 10: 89 (1896)
Year: 1896
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Juniperus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Nevada to Oklahoma and Mexico (Chihuahua)
Description
The Cherry-stone juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus monosperma, is a remarkable species of juniper native to parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. First classified by eminent botanists and documented in Silva North America in 1896, this plant is a unique member of the Cupressaceae family.
This durable, adaptable juniper is predominantly found across a wide range stretching from southern Nevada to Oklahoma, extending further south into the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The Cherry-stone juniper thrives in these regions due to its incredible adaptability to different climatic and soil conditions, which in turn makes it a significant component of the local ecosystems.
Visually, Juniperus monosperma is characterized by its rigid, needle-like leaves and thick, fibrous bark. Its berry-like seed cones, often referred to as “cherry-stones,” typically mature over two years and are a vital food source for various wildlife species. These cones begin as green and gradually turn bluish-black, often with a thin waxy coating.
The plant’s drought resistance and hardiness also provide substantial benefits in the dry, rocky landscapes where it often resides. This makes the Cherry-stone juniper an excellent choice for reforestation projects and efforts to combat soil erosion.
Beyond its ecological importance, the Cherry-stone juniper holds cultural significance for many indigenous communities within its range. Various parts of the plant have traditionally been used in medicine, while its wood is valued for its resistance to decay and use in building materials and crafting.
In summary, Juniperus monosperma, the Cherry-stone juniper, is a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Its presence from Nevada to Oklahoma and into Mexico underscores its ecological importance and ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Common Names
Eng: cherrystone juniper, one-seed juniper, west texas juniper, cherry-stone juniper, oneseed juniper
Spa: enebro de sombra, sabina
Fra: genévrier à une graine
Rus: можжевельник односемянный (mozhzhevel’nik odnosemyannyj)
Zho: 樱核圆柏 (ying he yuan bai)
En: Cherry-stone juniper, One-seed juniper, Oneseed juniper, Utah juniper, Cherrystone Juniper, West Texas Juniper
Az: Birtoxumlu ardıc
Bg: Едносеменна хвойна
Zh: 樱核圆柏 (ying he yuan bai)
Fr: Genévrier à une graine
De: Einsamiger Wacholder
Nv: Gadtsagí
Fa: ارس تکدانه
Ru: Можжевельник односемянный, Можжевельник односемянный (mozhzhevel’nik odnosemyannyj)
Es: Sabina, Enebro de sombra
Synonyms
- Juniperus monosperma f. gymnocarpa ((Lemmon) Rehder)
- Juniperus occidentalis var. monosperma (Engelm.)
- Juniperus occidentalis var. gymnocarpa (Lemmon)
- Juniperus mexicana var. monosperma ((Engelm.) Cory)
- Juniperus californica var. monosperma ((Engelm.) Lemmon)
- Sabina monosperma ((Engelm.) Rydb.)
- Juniperus gymnocarpa ((Lemmon) Cory)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Rudd (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2019 by JC Juanra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Michel LE THIEC (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 5, 2020 by Samuel Bender (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2014 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 9, 2011 by EOL − Robert Sivinski (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 6, 2005 by EOL − Robert Sivinski (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Nair Pradeep (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2021 by James Rush (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2019 by Claudia Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 17, 2021 by stephanie kelly (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 22, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684633)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:132508-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 7.0