Juniperus scopulorum 'Pathfinder'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- jew-NIP-er-us skop-yew-LOR-um
- Description
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Pathfinder Juniper is a cultivar of J. scopulorum. It is a slow-growing, needled evergreen tree that, at maturity (usually 20 years or more), can reach a height of 20 feet with a relatively narrow width of 8 feet. The tree is noted for its upright form and dense blueish-gray green foliage in flat sprays that are fragrant and seldom damaged by deer. These trees can be referred to as male or female. Attractive to birds, this is considered to be a desirable wildlife plant. Its branch strength is rated as medium, and the possibility of root damage is rated as low.
Pathfinder Juniper does well in full sun, in moist but well-drained conditions, and tolerates a range of soils, including clay and sand. It will also tolerate a moderate amount of salt spray.
Pathfinder Juniper, because of its moderate size and upright, pyramid habit, makes an excellent screen in the home landscape.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Litter from the dropped, dried fruit can be an issue. Insect issues include aphids, beetles, borers, and spider mites. Diseases affecting this plant are root rot, rust and armillaria (mushrooms).
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Juniperus
- Species:
- scopulorum
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Wildlife Value:
- Cones attract birds and other wildlife.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Columnar
- Dense
- Erect
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Blue
- White
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Small white or blue cone.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Conifers do not flower; tree can be dioecious (male or female)
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Needles
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Whorled
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Scale-like, bluish gray foliage in flat sprays. Overall dense foliage.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Exfoliating
- Bark Description:
- exfoliating or striated
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Lawn
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Screen/Privacy
- Shade Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Wind
