VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Juniperus scopulorum | Rocky Mountain Juniper 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
In some areas, Rocky Mountain juniper has been used for firewood, poles, and
fenceposts.  As with other species of juniper, Rocky Mountain juniper is
highly durable, resistant to rot, and clean-burning.

Juniper species in general, have been used to at least a limited extent
for paneling, furniture, pulp, particleboard, and novelty items [15,24].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Rocky Mountain juniper provides food and cover for a number of wildlife
species.  It is used to at least some extent by elk, mule deer,
whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, and antelope.  Rocky Mountain juniper
"berries" are readily consumed by migratory birds such as Bohemian
waxwings, as well as turkeys, and other upland game birds [6].
"Berries" are also eaten by many species of small mammals.  Rocky
Mountain juniper is sometimes used by sheep and other domestic livestock
but is not a favored foliage plant.


PALATABILITY : 
Palatability of Rocky Mountain juniper has been rated as follows [3]:

                      CO       MT       ND       OR       UT       WY

Cattle               Poor     ----     ----     ----     Poor     Poor
Sheep                Poor     ----     ----     ----     Fair     Fair
Horses               Poor     ----     ----     ----     Poor     Poor
Antelope             ----     ----     ----     ----     Fair     Poor
Bighorn              ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
Elk                  Poor     Poor     ----     ----     Fair     Fair
Mountain goat        ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
Mule deer            Poor     Poor     ----     ----     Fair     Good
White-tailed deer    ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     Fair
Small mammals        ----     ----     ----     ----     Good     Good
Small non-game birds ----     ----     ----     ----     Good     Good
Upland game birds    ----     ----     ----     ----     Good     Poor
Waterfowl            ----     ----     ----     ----     Poor     Poor


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Rocky Mountain juniper is rated as good in energy value and fair in protein
value [3].


COVER VALUE : 
The degree to which Rocky Mountain juniper provides environmental protection
during one or more seasons for wildlife species is as follows [3]:

                   CO       MT       ND       OR       UT       WY

Pronghorn         ----     ----     Poor     ----     Poor     Poor
Bighorn sheep     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ---- 
Elk               Fair     Good     ----     ----     Fair     Good
Mountain goat     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
Mule deer         Good     Good     Good     ----     Good     Good
White-tailed deer ----     ----     Good     ----     ----     Good
Small mammals     Good     Fair     Good     ----     Good     Good
Small nongame     Good     Fair     Good     ----     Good     Good
  birds 
Upland game birds ----     Fair     Fair     ----     Good     Good
Waterfowl         ----     ----     ----     ----     Poor     Poor


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Rocky Mountain juniper can be used in shelterbelts or reforestation
projects.  Seed is collected by hand-stripping or by shaking into a
canvas [15].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Rocky Mountain juniper has been cultivated as an ornamental since 1936
[15].  Juniperus scopulorum var. viridifolia, var.  argentea, and var.
horizontalis, are common horticultural varieties [6].  It has also been
used to produce novelty and decorative items. The essential oils of
Rocky Mountain juniper are used as flavorings, and scenting agents in
food products, medicines, and cosmetics.


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Juniperus scopulorum | Rocky Mountain Juniper