PromotedSpecies introCountry intro
Sierra Juniper
Sep 18, 2014. Tioga Rd, Olmsted Point. Yosemite NP, CA.
Description:
Juniperus occidentalis var. australis Sierra juniper. California and westernmost Nevada, south of 40° 30' N latitude in the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains. A medium-sized tree 12–26 m tall with a stout trunk up to 3 m diameter. Cones 5–9 mm diameter. Most plants dioecious, but about 5-10% are monoecious.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/1139726018
''Juniperus occidentalis'' is a shrub or tree native to the western United States, growing in mountains at altitudes of 800–3,000 metres and rarely down to 100 metres .
Similar species: Pinales
By Patomarazul
All rights reserved
Uploaded Dec 31, 2016. Captured Sep 18, 2014 20:24 in Olmsted Point Overlook, California, USA.
comments (9)
"Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is native to western North America where populations have created the largest Western Juniper woodland on earth. Longevity is a way of life for these trees as they can easily live at least 1,000 years. They define the landscape in this dry climate with their fragrant aroma and ancient, gnarled appearance. But, there is a great divide in how people view this species - they either admire or despise it. Western Juniper can be seen as glorious, ancient trees that have their place in nature; or, they can be viewed as bullies that wreak havoc, invade new territory, and oust other species. Regardless of opinion, they do provide important ecological services. For example, they inhabit poor quality soil, thriving where other species failed. As such, they are a pioneer species, which means that they are one of the first species to re-colonize a disturbed area. Western Juniper provides food for many bird and mammal species, and the trees are used for nesting and shelter by numerous animals. However, populations of these long-lived giants have increased up to ten-fold, which presents challenges because they crowd out other plants, commandeer the already scarce water resources, increase erosion, and create a fireproof landscape. So, while they are important parts of the ecosystem, their majestic presence can certainly become overbearing. {Spotted in California, USA by JungleDragon moderator, Patomarazul} #JungleDragon" Posted 5 years ago