Patrick Alexander

Juniper of several species grow on the Navajo Nation. They are small, native, evergreen trees growing up to 40 feet, often with an irregular crown. The occur in mixed or pure stands of open scrub woodland at elevations of 5,000 to 7,500 feet, often on dry, rocky ridges but also in canyons or on middle-elevation foothills.

Juniper does well in cultivation, is adapted to a wide range of soils and moisture conditions, and is winter hardy, slow growing, and very long lived.

Piñon-juniper woodlands provide good habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, bison, wild horses, pronghorns, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, porcupines, rabbits, mice, voles, woodrats, squirrels, and numerous birds. Juniper foliage and berries provide food for many species of birds and mammals, including humans.

Across the West, junipers have expanded their historical range in the years since European settlement, especially into sagebrush-grass communities below areas of traditional piñon-juniper. Overgrazing, fire suppression, and climatic change have been identified as potential causes of juniper invasion. In the absence of fire or other disturbances, trees eventually dominate a site and crowd out herbaceous and shrub species.

Species found on the Navajo Nation include:

• Juniperus scopularum (Rocky Mountain juniper)
• Juniperus monosperma (one-seed juniper)
• Juniperus osterosperma (Utah juniper)

Patrick Alexander

Patrick Alexander

Patrick Alexander