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Rocky Mountain Red-cedar

Juniperus scopulorum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Rocky Mountain Red-cedar (Juniperus scopulorum)
Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

240"–480" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, MT and 9 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeCentral Basin and RangeChihuahuan Deserts

Rocky Mountain red-cedar is a slow-growing evergreen tree that develops a narrow, columnar shape. This drought-tolerant conifer produces small blue berries and maintains its green foliage year-round, making it an excellent windbreak or specimen tree.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rocky Mountain Red-cedar is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The berries provide important winter food for birds including cedar waxwings, robins, and juncos. Dense branching offers excellent nesting sites and winter shelter for various bird species.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Rocky Mountain Red-cedar fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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