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Native Plant Society of Texas

Ashe Juniper

Juniperus ashei

Other common name(s):

Ashe Juniper, Mountain Cedar, Rock Cedar, Post Cedar, Texas Cedar, Brake Cedar, Mexican Juniper, Blueberry Juniper, Ozark White Cedar, Sabino, Enebro

Family:

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Stockton Plateau
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Bastrop Lost Pines
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Semiarid Edwards Bajada
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

5
to
50
ft.

Spread

5
to
30
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Caliche, Limestone, Sand, Shallow, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Very Low, Low

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Brown, White

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Larval Host, Nectar, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Butterflies, Deer, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Low maintenance, drought tolerant. It may be desired to remove seedlings if space is an issue. Slow growing, but have the ability to spread as pioneer species into degraded areas to help improve the soil and underlying limestone karst. Trees make a great “green screen” for privacy. Remove trees from perimeter of house for fire control. Leave lower branches for wildlife habitat and to protect emerging native plants from deer. Can be pruned to a single trunk if desired. Plant a female to avoid pollen and provide berries for birds. Native habitat: canyons;, hillsides, arroyos, and limestone outcrops.

Description

Blooms December-February. A single or multi-trunked tree with characteristic shaggy bark and fragrant, dark-green, scaly foliage. Flowers are inconspicuous. Female trees produce blue berry-like cones. Male trees produce cream to reddish brown pollen cones. Branches show a burnt gold appearance in winter due to pollen. The bark is used for nesting material, especially the rare golden-cheeked warbler. Larval host: Juniper Hairstreak and Olive butterflies.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Juniperus ashei var. ovata, Juniperus ashei x ovata, Juniperus occidentalis var. conjungens, Juniperus occidentalis var. texana, Juniperus sabinoides, Juniperus ovata

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas, 2) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48, 3) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 314-315. 4) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUAS. 5) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Juniperus+ashei&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 6) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=8234&locationType=County&mapType=Normal, 7) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=194812#null, 8) Elizabeth McGreevy, 2021, "Wanted! Mountain Cedars: Dead and Alive". 608 pgs.

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Seed can be sown outdoors in fall. Germination is poor, sow a large number of seeds. Seedlings will grow quite slowly, and it may take two more full years before a seedling is sufficiently large to plant in the landscape. Harvest the seed 'green' (when the embryo has fully formed but before the seedcoat has hardened. Collect seeds from late summer through fall when it has turned its ripe color. Seed can be extracted by running the fruits through a macerator. Thoroughly dry and clean seeds to avoid mold and overheating. 1) https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+ashei 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=JUAS
Seed Scarification, Stratification The seed has a hard seedcoat and can be very slow to germinate, requiring a cold period followed by a warm period and then another cold spell, each of 2 - 3 months duration. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some might germinate in the following spring, though most will take another year. The seedlings can be potted up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in pots until large enough, then plant out in early summer. Seedlings will grow quite slowly, and it may take two more full years before a seedling is sufficiently large to plant in the landscape. When stored dry, the seed can remain viable for several years. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juniperus+ashei
Stem Cutting Rooting hormone encourages root development in cuttings of ashe juniper. The application of rooting hormone increases the success rate of propagation by stimulating root growth at the cut site, which is especially important for woody plants like Ashe Juniper. A medium such as perlite, vermiculite, or a sand and peat mix supports the cuttings while draining excess water, which helps prevent rot and supports the development of healthy roots. A Propagator or Humidity Dome Maintains high humidity around the cuttings of ashe juniper, which helps prevent water loss through the leaves while the cutting is developing roots. A stable environment is key for successful propagation. A misting bttle allows for gentle watering of ashe juniper's cuttings without disturbing the rooting medium. Keeping the cuttings moist is essential, but overwatering can lead to rot, making controlled misting ideal. After the cutting of ashe juniper has successfully rooted, usually noticed by new growth, gradually acclimate it to normal conditions over the course of a week by increasing ventilation. Subsequently, provide regular care consistent with mature ashe juniper, which includes placing it in a site with full sun to partial shade and watering when the top inch of soil becomes dry. During the growing season, feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and prune annually to maintain size and shape. this can require anywhere from six to 12 weeks. Essential for taking cuttings from ashe juniper, sharp pruning shears ensure clean cuts that minimize damage to the parent plant and improve the cuttings' chances of rooting. A clean cut reduces the risk of infection and encourages quicker healing. 1) https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-common-juniper-5080172 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Juniperus_ashei.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason