Seeds: 2 seeds, 6-9 mm diameter.
Habitat: Higher elevation mountain slopes and ridges.
Elevation: About 7,000 to 9,000 feet around Las Vegas; down to sea level in the north.
Distribution: Eastern Nevada to New Mexico, north to the Canadian border.
Comments: Rocky Mountain Juniper occur in the Spring, Sheep, and Virgin Mountains, but they are generally uncommon around Las Vegas. This species is most easily seen along the entrance road to Hilltop Campground (off Deer Creek Road between Kyle and Lee canyons).
Rocky Mountain Juniper (above red line) and Utah Juniper (below red line). Red arrows mark juniper cones (small in Rocky Mountain Juniper and large in Utah Juniper). Blue arrow marks red bark on young stem of Rocky Mountain Juniper.
Rocky Mountain Juniper appears more lacy, drooping, and flat, while Utah Juniper appears more coarse, upright, and angular. |