by Matthew Fry, Native Plants Class 2003
Common names: One seed Juniper, Cherrystone.(2)
Family: Cupressaceae(1)
Synonymy: J. occidentalis var. gymnocarpa, Sabina monosperma(1)
Etymology: Specific epithet means one seed.(3)

Identification
Growth form: Shrub or Tree 7 to 12m(2)
Roots:
Stem: Trunk and large branches have longitudinal exfoliating bark causing deep troughs in bark. small branches rough, gray to brown.(2)
Leaves: Leaves are yellowish green, scale like; opposite in usually 4 rows on short crowded twigs, blunt, edges with very small teeth, dark green, about 1.5 mm long. (Leaves on vigorously growing shoots sharp-pointed and up to 4.5 mm long.)
Inflorescence/flowers:
Fruit: Berrylike, dark blue, glaucous, about 6 mm in diameter, with a single seed, cones mature in one year. (4)
Similar species: Juniperus pinchotii, J. erythrocarpa(1)

Ecology
Life history: Perennial(1,2)
Native/introduced: Native (1,2)
Photosynthetic pathway: C3
Phenology: Dioecious with male cones maturing in and female cones matureing within one year.
Distribution: Pinyon-juniper woodlands, plains, foothills, and plateaus, from to in all counties in AZ. Found in CA to TX, CO to northern Mexico.(2)

Uses
Wood used for fence posts and fuel, cones eaten by wildlife, Important medicinal uses to many Native American tribes.(2,4)

References
1. USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Plants Profile. http://plants.usda.gov/

2. Epple, O.A, Epple, L.E., 1995.A field guide to the plants of Aizona pg 17.

3. Dictionary of Greek and Latin roots

4. University of Oklahoma native plants website