Rocky Mountain Juniper Tree Seeds | Rocky Mt. Juniper | (Juniperus scopulorum)
Rocky Mountain Juniper Tree Seeds | Rocky Mt. Juniper | (Juniperus scopulorum)
Rugged, aromatic, and mountain-born.
Juniperus scopulorum, the Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a hardy evergreen native to the western United States and Canada. With silvery-blue foliage and an upright, conical shape, this juniper thrives in the toughest climates—where wind, drought, and cold test other trees. It’s equally at home on rocky slopes or in urban landscapes, bringing structure, resilience, and natural fragrance to any setting.
This long-lived conifer offers year-round color and wildlife value, producing blue-gray berry-like cones beloved by birds and small mammals. Its dense foliage also provides excellent shelter and nesting cover, making it an ecological workhorse in rewilding and restoration projects.
Why Grow Rocky Mountain Juniper?
- Native to the western U.S.; thrives in high-altitude and arid conditions
- Silvery-blue evergreen foliage for year-round beauty
- Drought-tolerant once established and ideal for poor or rocky soils
- Excellent for privacy screens, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Juniperus scopulorum
- Common Names: Rocky Mountain Juniper, Rocky Mt. Juniper
- Germination Rate: 74%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Colorado, USA
- Stratification: 90 days cold stratification recommended
- USDA Zones: 3–8
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil; tolerant of alkaline conditions
- Light: Full sun
- Mature Size: 20–50 ft tall × 8–20 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Packet Sizes: 10, 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Provides food and shelter for birds such as cedar waxwings, robins, and grouse.
- Stabilizes slopes and prevents soil erosion in dry, rocky environments.
- Excellent native choice for low-water landscapes and wildlife restoration projects.
Fun Facts
- Its aromatic wood was once used by Indigenous peoples for incense and ceremonial fires.
- The bluish berries are technically cones and are used to flavor gin and traditional medicines.
- Rocky Mountain Juniper can live for over 1,000 years in its native habitat.
Evergreen Seed Co. provides sustainably sourced, high-germination Rocky Mountain Juniper seeds from native stands in Colorado. Each order includes detailed germination instructions to help you grow this iconic tree of the American West.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
