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ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER (Juniperus scopulorum)
WESTERN JUNIPER (Juniperus occidentalis)
ALLIGATOR JUNIPER (Juniperous deppeana)
Other names: juniper, cedar, western cedar, redcedar

VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

There are at least 10 species of juniper in the United States. These three usually develop into tree form. Juniperous scopulorum is called Rocky Mountain red Cedar in the San Juan Islands of Washington State but is usually found in the Rocky Mountain region. Western juniper occurs from California and Nevada, into Oregon and Idaho. Alligator Juniper, so called because of its bark pattern, is found in Arizona and New Mexico, and is used extensively for fence posts, as are the other tree formed species. These trees grow in dry conditions and are very hardy. They grow very slowly and may attain an age of 1000 years. 

Original blazes are seldom more than partially healed. The wood is quite hard and scribe marks are usually badly weathered from exposure to wind and sun. Side lighting may be required to detect scribing. Unless killed by fire, cutting, or "chaining", the recovery is almost assured. When dead these trees are almost impervious to decay. 

Choose the tree formed specimen if available. Avoid marking limbs if possible. Blaze through the thin sapwood and apply ample pressure when scribing for the wood is hard. Painting is recommended to reduce the effects of weathering.