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Rocky Mountain Red-cedar

Juniperus scopulorum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Rocky Mountain Red-cedar (Juniperus scopulorum) is a perennial tree native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 9 more states. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

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)

Toxicity unknown

Rocky Mountain Red-cedar (Juniperus scopulorum) 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 Rocky Mountain Red-cedar as toxic to livestock.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandNorth American DesertsNorthwestern Forested MountainsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsMadrean Archipelago

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.

Growing Rocky Mountain Red-cedar

Grow Rocky Mountain Red-cedar in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Rocky Mountain Red-cedar need?
Rocky Mountain Red-cedar grows best in full sun conditions.
Where is Rocky Mountain Red-cedar native?
Rocky Mountain Red-cedar (Juniperus scopulorum) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Rocky Mountain Red-cedar toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Rocky Mountain Red-cedar as toxic to livestock.
Is Rocky Mountain Red-cedar HOA-friendly?
Rocky Mountain Red-cedar is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Rocky Mountain Red-cedar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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