Unique Features: The native Rocky Mountain juniper is aptly named as seen in the species distribution map.  There is considerable variation within the species as to size, shape and color which has yielded the numerous cultivated varieties on the market today.  It is closely related to J. virginiana, Eastern Red Cedar and can share its characteristic of changing color in the winter but the palette is shades of brown. Junipers are conifers and they have small cones with a fleshy covering usually referred to as ‘Juniper berries’.  Most junipers dioecious with male and female cones on different trees.  The male cones have pollen, which is common allergen, and the female cones are the preferred berries, no allergens.  The berries are used to flavor gin and meats for people and avidly consumed and replanted by birds.