Ashe Juniper

The rare "Ozark White Cedar" (Juniperus ashei) which grows in the wild in only 5 counties of MO and 9 counties of AR; a distinct population is also found in Edwards Plateau in TX; one of Missouri Nature Conservancy's first projects was reintroducing this species to Branson area in 1950's and halting logging of stands near the state line. Berries are purple; historically favored for seasoning and preserving venison; also medicinal uses. Habit is more spread-out and sometimes multiple-trunked like the Western junipers; wood is bright yellow. From property near Theodosia, MO; berries available in January and February; start in acidic soil medium.