Juniperus ashei aka Mexican Juniper
Taxonomy
Juniperus ashei, also known as Ashe juniper or mountain cedar, is an evergreen tree that is drought-tolerant and provides erosion control and year-round shade for wildlife and livestock. It is native to northeastern Mexico and the south-central United States, with the largest areas found in central Texas. This plant species of the Juniper genus can grow up to 10 meters tall, and in exceptional cases, up to 15 meters. Its needles are 2-5 mm in length, and the cones are small, ripening in the fall of the first year. The wood of the tree is fragile but resistant to decay. Pollen from the plant can cause severe allergic reactions in some cases. As a houseplant, Ashe Juniper is super rare but easy to grow with regular watering and well-draining soil. It thrives in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed within 1 foot of a window. Repotting each time it doubles in size eliminates the need for added fertilizers. Ashe Juniper is native to the United States and Mexico, and its other common names include blueberry juniper, post cedar, or just cedar.
Common names
Mexican Juniper, Ashe Juniper, Post Cedar, Mountain Cedar, Blueberry JuniperHow to care for Mexican Juniper
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Mexican Juniper is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Mexican Juniper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Mexican Juniper loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Mexican Juniper thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mountain Cedar.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Mexican Juniper does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Mexican Juniper is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Mexican Juniper’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Juniperus Genus
Juniperus thurifera Incense Juniper
Juniperus oxycedrus Cade Juniper
Juniperus pinchotii Copper Berry Juniper
Juniperus recurva Drooping Juniper
Juniperus formosana Formosan Juniper
Juniperus occidentalis Western Cedar
Juniperus sabina Savin
Juniperus monticola Mexican Juniper
Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar
