ALLIGATOR JUNIPER

Plant Name: Alligator Juniper
Scientific Name: Juniperus deppeana — Alligator Juniper, Checkerbark Juniper, Alligator Bark Juniper
Mature Height: 20–40 ft
Mature Spread: 15–30 ft
Growth Rate: Slow (6–12 in/year)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low; ~5–10 gal/week while establishing, then ~10–15 gal every 21–30 days once established; increase during extreme heat
Foliage: Blue-green to dark green, scale-like, evergreen
Fall Color: Remains green to blue-green
Flower Color: Inconspicuous
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Fruit: Round, berry-like cones, ~½ in. wide; blue-green when young, maturing to brown with a bluish-white coating
Hardiness Zones: 6–9 (−10°F to 20°F)
Features: Southwestern native; exceptional drought tolerance; distinctive checkered bark; long-lived; adapted to rocky soils; excellent specimen tree for naturalistic and xeriscape landscapes
Additional Facts: Alligator Juniper is named for its thick, deeply fissured bark, which resembles alligator skin. It is native to Arizona and other parts of the Southwest and naturally grows in dry, rocky mountain environments.