Cones: Berry, green, maturing to bright blue or black, 1/5-to-1/3-inch diameter, set at junction of leaves and branchlets, resinous.
Seeds: 1–3 per cone; 2–5 mm.
Habitat: Rocky and wooded mountain slopes.
Elevation: 6,200 to 11,200 feet.
Distribution: Northern Hemisphere around the world. Around Las Vegas, a few, scattered individuals can be found in the Spring
and Sheep Mountains. They are more common to the north.
Comments: Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a northern species that occurs across northern North America south of
the tundra. This species is uncommon around Las Vegas, but scattered patches can be found in the Spring and Sheep Mountains.
In the Spring Mountains, this species can be most easily seen along the Bristlecone and Mummy Spring trails. It can also be found on Harris Mountain. |