Adaptation

Nonspecific and variable edaphic requirements allow it to grow on numerous soil types such as soils derived from basalt, limestone, and shale including poorly developed, stony, shallow, and erodible soils with low moisture-holding capacity. Infrequently found on calcareous or adobic soils, high in clay and slightly alkaline (pH 8.0). Performs best on fertile, well-drained sites at a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Favors average minimum temperatures above -10 to -5°F, but is classified as USDA Zone 3b hardy (average minimum temperatures of -30 to -35°F) and does well in Montana and Wyoming on Zone 4 sites (-20 to -30°F). Over much of its range, grows in areas with an annual precipitation of 15 to 18 inches; can tolerate as little as 11 to 12 inches and as much as 26 inches.

Suitable for Conservation Tree and Shrub Suitability Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and all Plant Adaptation Zones in Montana. (See FOTG, Section II-Windbreak Interpretations, revised CTSG) Bridger-Select Rocky Mountain juniper will perform well in most of central, south-central, and southeastern Montana, north-central and northeastern Wyoming, far western Nebraska, far western South Dakota, and southwestern North Dakota. This selection will perform well in most of Montana at elevations below 5,500 feet. It will probably perform well in eastern Idaho, most of north-central and eastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, and western South Dakota. Rocky Mountain juniper is not recommended for central, southern, and eastern Great Plains planting sites because of its susceptibility to foliar diseases in warm, humid environments. (See Pests and Potential Problems)

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Last Modified: 11/30/2007