Juniperus communis var. jackii
Jack's juniper, Jack's Juniper
(c) Andrew Bazdyrev, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Bazdyrev · licence
Family: Cupressaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Juniperus communis var. jackii (Jack's juniper) is a native California shrub in the Cupressaceae family, recognized by leaf characteristics and growth form distinguish from others.
Jack's juniper is a California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges and high Cascade Range Mountains on rocky or wooded slopes and high-elevation forests, often on serpentine or lava substrates, at elevations of 1,900 to 3,400 meters. This distinctive shrub grows with a spreading, mat-like form that occasionally develops an erect structure, creating low-growing patches across alpine landscapes. Its leaves are short, measuring 7 to 9 millimeters long, with a notable glaucous stomatal band that is three to four times wider than the green leaf margins. The plant produces seed cones that mature into elongated or nearly spherical shapes, typically containing one or occasionally two seeds per cone. Its unique growth habit and adaptability to harsh, high-elevation environments make Jack's juniper a resilient component of mountain ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; leaf characteristics and growth form distinguish from others
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky or wooded slopes, high-elevation forests, often on serpentine or lava
Elevation: 1900-3400 m
Outside California: Oregon
How to tell it apart
vs Hesperocyparis: Juniper has fleshy berry-like cones; Hesperocyparis has woody round cones with shield-shaped scales.; vs Pinus: Juniper needles are single or in whorls of 3; pine needles come bundled in groups of 2-5 with papery sheaths.; vs Calocedrus: Juniper has berry-like cones; Calocedrus has elongated woody cones with flattened, scale-like sprays.; vs Cupressus: Juniper has berry-like cones; Cupressus has round woody cones with shield-shaped scales.; vs Salvia: Juniper is woody with evergreen needles or scales; Salvia is herbaceous with opposite aromatic leaves and lipped flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Juniperus communis var. jackii native to California?
Yes. Juniperus communis var. jackii is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Juniperus communis var. jackii belong to?
Juniperus communis var. jackii is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Juniperus.
What habitat does Juniperus communis var. jackii grow in?
Juniperus communis var. jackii grows in Rocky or wooded slopes, high-elevation forests, often on serpentine or lava.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.