Family: Cupressaceae, Cypress view all from this family

Description Evergreen tree with straight trunk, narrow, pointed crown, and slender branches of aromatic, gray-green foliage often drooping at ends.
Height: 20-50' (6-15 m).
Diameter: 1 1/2' (0.5 m).
Leaves: opposite in 4 rows, forming slender, 4-angled twigs; 1/16" (1.5 mm) long. Scalelike, pointed, gray-green.
Bark: reddish-brown, thin, fibrous, shreddy.
Cones: 1/4" (6 mm) in diameter; berrylike, bright blue with whitish coat, soft, juicy, sweetish, resinous; usually 2-seeded; maturing second year. Male or pollen cones on separate trees.

Habitat Rocky soils, especially on limestone and lava outcrops; in open woodlands at lower border of trees to the north; in foothills with pinyons to the south.

Range Generally in mountains, from c. British Columbia, east to w. North Dakota, and south to Trans-Pecos Texas; also n. Mexico; at 5000-9000' (1524-2743 m) to the south; almost to sea level in north.

Discussion A graceful ornamental, often with narrow crown of drooping foliage, several varieties differ in form and in leaf color. The aromatic wood is especially suited for cedar chests and is also used for lumber, fenceposts, and fuel. Wildlife eat the "berries." This species is closely related to Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.), which has dark green foliage and "berries" that mature in one year.