Cherry-stone Juniper
Juniperus monosperma
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Cherry-stone Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cherry-stone Juniper as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–300" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AZ, CO, NM, NV and 2 more states
Before you buy
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Cherry-stone juniper is a drought-tolerant evergreen tree with an attractive, irregular branching pattern. It develops blue-green foliage and produces small berry-like cones. This slow-growing tree is extremely hardy and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cherry-stone Juniper takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Irregular growth habit appears too wild for formal landscapes
- Can develop dead interior branches that look untidy
- Large mature size may be considered overgrown
Wildlife value
The berry-like cones provide food for birds, particularly cedar waxwings and various songbirds. Dense branching offers nesting sites and winter shelter for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cherry-stone Juniper need?
- Cherry-stone Juniper grows best in full sun conditions.
- Where is Cherry-stone Juniper native?
- Cherry-stone Juniper (Juniperus monosperma) is native to AZ, CO, NM, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Cherry-stone Juniper toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cherry-stone Juniper as toxic to livestock.
- Is Cherry-stone Juniper HOA-friendly?
- Cherry-stone Juniper takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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