Sep 27, 2022 · Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is emblematic of central and eastern Oregon, where it thrives in the arid climate and extreme temperatures of the high desert. In addition to western juniper, two other junipers occur in Oregon: common juniper (Juniperus communis) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Junperus scopulorum).

Western Juniper encroachment is consistently cited among the top threats to rangeland health across eastern Oregon. In 1930, 1.5 million acres of juniper dotted the landscape in Oregon. Due to 100 years of fire suppression, that number has now skyrocketed to 10 million acres.

Three junipers are native to the Pacific Northwest: western juniper: most common; combonation of needle types with a white resin dot. common juniper: grows primarily near treeline, at high elevations. Rocky Mountain juniper: found in north eastern …

Jul 12, 2024 · Native or nuisance? For the juniper trees that dot the High Desert, it's both. A century of wildfire suppression and lack of management has spurred the trees unchecked growth across Eastern Oregon. But they also show a potential that some people have taken advantage of.

Jan 7, 2025 · Yes, the Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) and Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) are native species to Oregon. They are primarily found in Eastern Oregon and the Cascade Mountains, where they adapt well to arid climates.

Dec 21, 2022 · Western juniper is among the most common trees in Oregon — in some areas, essentially the only tree. Once thought to be all one species, recent scientific work has shown that there are actually two species of Western juniper, although the one you see in Oregon are Juniperus occidentalis.

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) trees are a common sight in the high desert of eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, and northeastern California. Juniper trees have been described as looking like "polka-dots on the hillsides".

Sep 26, 2023 · In Oregon, western juniper is found mostly in the high desert — areas with an elevation of 2,000-5,000 feet and a rainfall range of 9-14 inches per year. These gnarled, twisty juniper trees are emblematic of the high desert and play a key role in the ecosystem.

Conifer, evergreen tree (or a shrub), height 15-30 ft (4.6-9 m), short trunk, stout spreading branches, ragged and gnarled with age. Scaly, light brown bark.

Nov 18, 2024 · Uncover the story of juniper trees in Central Oregon in this insightful article that questions their native status. Dive into the characteristics of Western juniper, its thriving habitat, and its ecological importance in supporting local wildlife and preventing erosion.