SCIENTIFIC NAME: Juniperus squamata expansa Parsonii

COMMON NAME: Parson's Juniper

GARDEN SIZE: 2-3 feet tall x 6 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained soil; Average water requirements

HABIT (FORM): Spreading, densely-branched

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Bluish-green scale-like needles, emerging silvery blue in spring

FRUIT: Blueberry-like cones, attractive to birds

PLANT ORIGIN: squamata - mountainous areas of Afghanistan, China, and Taiwan

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning in late winter or early summer is preferred.

PET SAFETY: Generally considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans.

USES: Hedge