Habitat: rocky slopes above 2400 feet
Life Form: Tree, Shrub
Family: Juniperus (juniper family)
Abundance: rare
Redberry juniper is a native, evergreen, small tree or large shrub. Mature height usually ranges from 12 to 15 feet (3.6-4.5 m), with spreading and ascending branches forming an open, irregular crown. The ovulate cones contain one seed. The bark is shreddy, but is formed close to the trunk. Redberry juniper tends to have a central erect stem with lower branches originating near the ground level.
The fleshy, berry-like cones of redberry juniper are eaten by at least four species of songbirds, Gambel's quail, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, rock squirrels, Hopi chipmunks, and probably other birds and mammals.