Juniperus monosperma (Oneseed Juniper), USA

Juniperus monosperma (Oneseed Juniper) USA

Recorded by Andrew Weathers at Caprock Canyon State Park, Texas, USA, September 2020. Juniper moving in the strong West Texas wind, recorded with a geophone inserted into a hole in the bark.

Juniperus monosperma (One-seed Juniper). Image: Andrew Weathers — *Oneseed Juniper. Image: Andrew Weathers*

Also called the West Texas Juniper, this medium-sized evergreen conifer is a multi-stemmed tree with blue-green scale-like leaves. Ideal for growing in the Lone Star State, the cedar thrives in rocky, dry, or sandy soil. It has fragrant needle-like leaves, dark gray bark, and small, round, bluish-gray berries with one seed.

An unusual feature of the oneseed juniper is its orange flowers. However, these insignificant blooms quickly give way to fleshy seed cones. Also, compared to other junipers, the tree grows relatively fast and is long-lived. This feature creates gnarled branches, adding to the cedar’s ornamental appeal.

Leafy Place, Cedar Trees in Texas

*Oneseed Juniper. Image: Andrew Weathers*

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