About

Juniperus monosperma, the New Mexico juniper or one-seed juniper, is a species of juniper native to western North America, in the United States in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Colorado, western Oklahoma (Panhandle), and western Texas, and in Mexico in the extreme north of Chihuahua. It grows at 970–2300 m elevation.

The New Mexico juniper is an evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree growing to 2–7 metres (6+1⁄2–23 feet) (rarely to 12 m) tall, usually multistemmed, and with a dense, rounded crown. The bark is gray-brown, exfoliating in thin longitudinal strips, exposing bright orange brown underneath. The ultimate shoots are 1.2–1.9 millimetres thick. The leaves are scale-like, 1–2 mm long and 0.6–1.5 mm broad on small shoots, up to 10 mm long on vigorous shoots; they are arranged in alternating whorls of three or opposite pairs.

Where it grows

Hopi chipmunks, quail, foxes, rock squirrels and deer eat the berrylike cones. New Mexico's goats browse the foliage.

Uses

Historically, the Navajo ate the ripened cones of New Mexico junipers in the fall or winter and made a dye from the bark and cones. They used its wood for various purposes. Among the Zuni people, a poultice of the chewed root was applied to increase the strength of newborns and infants. An infusion of the leaves was also taken for muscle aches and to prevent conception. An infusion of the leaves was also taken postpartum to prevent uterine cramps and stop vaginal bleeding. A simple or compound infusion of twigs was used to promote muscular contractions at birth and used after birth to stop blood flow. The wood was also used as a favorite and ceremonial firewood, and the shredded, fibrous bark was specifically used as tinder to ignite the fire sticks used for the New Year fire.

Other Juniperus plants

California Juniper · Canary Islands Juniper · Chinese Juniper · Common Juniper · Alligator Juniper · Western Juniper · African Juniper · Creeping Juniper · Drooping Juniper · Temple Juniper · Rocky Mountain Juniper · Flaky Juniper