Juniperus ashei
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| Juniperus ashei Conservation status: Secure | ||||||||||||||
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Juniperus ashei (Ashe Juniper) is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub or small tree, native to northeastern Mexico and the south-central United States north to southern Missouri; the largest areas are in central Texas, where extensive stands occur. It grows up to 5-10 m tall, rarely 15 m, and provides erosion control and year-round shade for wildlife and livestock.
The feathery foliage grows in dense sprays, bright green in colour. The leaves are scale-like, 2-5 mm long, and produced on rounded (not flattened) shoots. It is a dioecious species, with separate male and female plants. The seed cones are globose to oblong, 3-6 mm long, and soft, pulpy and berry-like, green at first, maturing purple about 8 months after pollination. They contain 1-2 seeds, which are dispersed when birds eat the cones and pass the seeds in their droppings. The male cones are 3-5 mm long, yellow, turning brown after pollen release in December to February. The pollen causes a severe allergic reaction for some people.
Ashe Juniper is sometimes known in the area as "Mountain Cedar", though it is not a cedar; locals refer to the allergy as "cedar fever". The wood is naturally rot resistant and provides raw material for fence posts. Although Ashe Juniper is native to central Texas, it is considered a weed by some landowners in that area. This reputation is primarily due to Ashe Juniper's superior ability (in comparison to other plants) to compete for scarce water.