Juniper

DESCRIPTION: Tree- The Pinyon-juniper woodlands provide good habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, bison, wild horses, pronghorns, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, porcupines, rabbits, mice, voles, woodrats, squirrels, and various birds. The foliage and berries of this juniper provides food for many species of birds and mammals. These small wrinkly/oily, berrylike cones of the juniper provide as an abundant and readily available food source for a wide range of wildlife. Oneseed juniper is a slow-growing species. Oneseed juniper has the ability to stop active growth when moisture is limited but can resume growth when moisture availability improves. These growth patterns represent a significant adaptation allowing junipers to survive on harsh, arid locations. Although small trees may be killed by drought, mature junipers are resistant to drought. The juniper grows on dry, rocky, open flats, and slopes. It commonly occurs in canyons or on middle-elevation foothills. The berries remain on the tree and can provide food year-round. Native Americans depended on juniper for many purposes. Such as fuel, fenceposts, poles.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.treeguide.com/Species.asp?Region=NorthAmerican&SpeciesID=541
http://www.naturesongs.com/vvplants/oneseedjuniper.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/