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Pathfinder Juniper Juniperus scopulorum 'Pathfinder'

Phonetic Spelling
jew-NIP-er-us skop-yew-LOR-um
Description

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.

More information on Juniperus scopulorum.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#fragrant leaves#rabbit resistant#columnar#wind tolerant#needled evergreen#deer resistant#dense
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#fragrant leaves#rabbit resistant#columnar#wind tolerant#needled evergreen#deer resistant#dense
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Columnar
    Dense
    Erect
    Pyramidal
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Conifers do not flower; tree can be dioecious (male or female)
  • 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.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Exfoliating
    Bark Description:
    exfoliating or striated
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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