Western-cedar
Juniperus occidentalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
300"–3000" H × 180"–1200" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
CA, ID, KS, NV and 2 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Western juniper is a large evergreen tree native to western North America that develops a distinctive twisted, gnarled trunk with age. It grows extremely slowly and can eventually reach massive proportions, making it unsuitable for most residential landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Western-cedar 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.
- Grows far too large for typical residential lots
- Extremely slow growth means decades before it looks established
- Gnarled appearance may look unkempt to some HOAs
Wildlife value
Provides nesting sites and shelter for birds, and its berries feed various wildlife species including birds and small mammals.
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 Western-cedar fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.