TREE FACTS
GIANT ALLIGATOR JUNIPER

Tyler Hill
ISA Certified Arborist UT-4431A

Alligator Juniper
Cupressus macrocarpa

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Junipers are coniferous (evergreen) trees and shrubs that are found in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family, Cupressaceae. They have scale-like leaves, and the fruit consists of a cone in which the scales have fused together to give a berry-like appearance. The common juniper is probably found in more regions of the world than any other tree. The Alligator juniper is found in the southwest region of the United States.

Deep bark squares up to 5 cm in a pattern on the Alligator juniper are distinctive, making it look just like an alligator’s back. The bark is up to 10 cm thick! Tree bark is just like the skin on humans, it protects all the important organs and holds the tree together. While the thick bark acts as defense mechanisms for things such as fire and harsh environments, this particular tree had some extra help from now parted friends! (Thank You.)

This juniper is very hard to date because of its growth pattern, meaning it is in no hurry. It will actually stop growing when there is not adequate water or moisture, but will begin to grow again as moisture is present. For this reason the tree can survive and grow in harsh conditions. It is said that this tree is anywhere from 500 to 1000 years old. (Maybe more!) Alligator junipers are one of the largest junipers in the southwestern United States growing upwards of 50 ft.

The juniperus deppeana likes the sun and prefers sandy, well-drained soils. When well-drained, it is very adaptable to a wide variety of soils. The Alligator juniper is a drought tolerant plant, known for its low water use. While it does not like the cold (USDA zone 7-9), it will tolerate it for a short time.