Checker-bark juniper (Juniperus deppeana, Nomencl. Bot., ed. 2, 1: 835 (1840))

Family: Cupressaceae

Author: Steud.

Bibliography: Nomencl. Bot., ed. 2, 1: 835 (1840)

Year: 1840

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juniperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Arizona to W. Texas and Mexico

Description

The checker-bark juniper, botanically known as Juniperus deppeana, is a remarkable species renowned for its distinctive, checker-like bark pattern. This unique attribute sets it apart from other members of the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Steud was the first to formally describe the species in 1840 in “Nomenclatura Botanica,” an authoritative text on plant nomenclature.

Native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico, the checker-bark juniper thrives in varied climates, ranging from the arid landscapes of Arizona and Western Texas to the diverse ecosystems across the Mexican terrain. This hardy evergreen species can adapt to a multitude of environments, making it a vital component of the regional flora.

Checker-bark junipers are typically found in high altitude regions, favoring rocky outcrops and slopes where they contribute significantly to the stability of the soil and the overall health of their ecosystems. They play a crucial role in providing habitats for various wildlife species and maintaining ecological balance.

This species’ distinctive appearance is characterized by its bark, which peels away in thin, rectangular plates, presenting a unique, checkerboard-like pattern. The foliage of the checker-bark juniper varies from blue-green to gray-green, with scale-like leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed. The tree bears small, berry-like cones that mature from green to a dark blue or black, often covered with a glaucous bloom.

The checker-bark juniper not only serves an ecological purpose but also holds cultural and practical significance. Indigenous communities have historically utilized its wood and foliage for various purposes, taking advantage of its durable and pest-resistant nature.

In cultivation, Juniperus deppeana is appreciated for its ornamental value and its utility in landscaping, especially in regions that require drought-resistant and low-maintenance plants. It adds aesthetic value to gardens and parks with its intriguing bark and lush foliage, all while supporting local wildlife and contributing to biodiversity.

Common Names

Hun: aligátor boróka
Eng: alligator juniper, checkerbark juniper, checker bark juniper, checker-bark juniper
Deu: alligator-wacholder
Spa: cedro, cedro chino, enebro chino, tláscal, táscate, táscate blanco
Fra: genévrier de deppe, genévrier gercé
En: Checker-bark juniper, Alligator juniper, Checkerbark Juniper, Checker bark juniper
Az: Qalınqabıq ardıc
Fr: Genévrier de Deppe, Genévrier gercé
De: Alligator-Wacholder
Hu: Aligátor boróka
Nv: Gad diltáłii
Fa: ارس تمساح
Ru: Можжевельник толстокорый
Es: Cedro, Cedro chino, Táscate, Táscate blanco, Tláscal, Enebro chino

Synonyms

• Sabina mexicana (Antoine)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 25, 2013 by EOL − Harpo! (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 19, 2011 by EOL − Anita (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2015 by EOL − Neptalí Ramírez Marcial (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 22, 2015 by EOL − tbrooks (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2015 by EOL − Robert J. “”Bob”” Nuelle, Jr. AICEZS (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Sep 20, 2013 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 4, 2015 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2008 by EOL − David Bygott (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Alan Marcum (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by Josemartajorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2019 by Manning Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2010 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

Taken Aug 7, 2015 by EOL − Robert J. “”Bob”” Nuelle, Jr. AICEZS (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:132473-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684674)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juniperus deppeana Steud.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth