Alligator juniper

Juniperus deppeana

Family:: Cupressaceae
Elevation:: 4,500 ft – 8,000 ft
Region:: Southwest

Instantly recognizable by its distinctive bark broken into square, gray plates like alligator hide, this rugged evergreen juniper forms broad, picturesque crowns on foothill and mountain slopes. It is among the largest and longest-lived junipers of the Southwest.

Care · tuned to the Southwest

Water

Extremely drought tolerant once established; deep infrequent watering to establish, then essentially none. Overwatering and poor drainage are the main killers, and it shrugs off dry spells between monsoon rains.

Sun & exposure

Full sun; an open-exposure tree that tolerates intense heat and reflected light.

Soil

Thrives in rocky, gravelly, and alkaline soils on dry slopes; excellent drainage matters far more than fertility.

In the Southwest

Cold-hardy across the piñon-juniper belt into the lower ponderosa zone. Unusual among junipers for its ability to resprout from the base after fire. The berry-like cones feed birds and mammals. Slow-growing but exceptionally long-lived, and a standout specimen for its sculptural bark.

Common problems & fixes

Spider mites — hot, dry, dusty conditions stipple and bronze the foliage
Fix — Hose down foliage periodically and treat heavy infestations with horticultural oil.
Tip blight — fungal dieback browns branch tips in wet monsoon periods
Fix — Prune out and dispose of blighted tips, improve airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
Juniper mistletoe — parasitic clumps slowly weaken the tree
Fix — Prune out infected branches well below the mistletoe attachment.

Pets & toxicity

Generally low toxicity to dogs and cats; the berry-like cones and foliage may cause mild stomach upset if eaten in quantity. Discourage significant browsing.

Easy to confuse with

One-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) — furrowed, shreddy bark rather than checkered plates, typically multi-trunked
Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) — narrower crown, shreddy bark, higher-elevation habit

Sources

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