What animals live in the pinyon-juniper woodlands?
Many animal species find refuge in pinyon-juniper woodlands, including mule deer, elk, desert cottontail, pinyon jays, and Clark’s nutcrackers.
Where is the pinyon-juniper woodland?
The pinyon–juniper woodland range spans from New Mexico, to the eastern Sierra Nevada, the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and higher elevations of Mountain ranges of the Mojave Desert. The woodland’s range includes the Mogollon Rim in the south, to its northern extent in the Snake River Plain.
Does Colorado have juniper trees?
Piñon-juniper woodlands are widespread in the lower elevations ranging from 4,900 to 8,000 feet on Colorado’s West Slope and exist in limited distribution in south-central Colorado and on the Eastern Plains.
How many different types of juniper trees are there?
60 species
There are almost 60 species of junipers and about 400 cultivars. The cultivars are the plants that will give you the most bang for your garden buck, as they have been selected for smaller size, slower growth rate, and, many times, dramatic foliage.
What determines forest composition in the pinyon pine juniper forest?
Pinyon-juniper woodlands exhibit a wide variety of stand structures and compositions, which are influenced by local climate, topography, growing conditions and disturbance regimes.
Where do juniper trees grow?
Description. Juniper (Juniperus communis ) is an evergreen shrub found on mountains and heaths throughout Europe, Southwest Asia, and North America. The tree grows to a height of 6-25 ft (2-8 m) and has stiff, pointed needles that grow to 0.4 in (1 cm) long.
Are junipers native to Arizona?
Native to Arizona, the Alligator Juniper, Juniperus deppeana, is characterized by unique cracked bark that resembles alligator skin. Alligator and its native cousin, the Shaggy Bark Juniper, are the largest species of their kind growing 40-50′ feet tall at maturity.
Why do junipers turn purple?
A: It is normal for the foliage of some evergreens, such as arborvitae (Thuja) and boxwood (Buxus), to change color in cold weather. Juniper (Juniperus): Depending on the species, foliage may develop a bronze, purple, or yellow-brown cast in cold weather.
Where do junipers grow best?
Junipers grow especially well in well drained, sunny locations. Although some selections can be grown in full shade, most junipers will become more open and leggier if they don’t get enough sun. The only spot where a juniper won’t be happy is in poorly drained, boggy conditions.
What is a pinyon-juniper woodland?
Although pinyon-juniper woodlands cover millions of acres, they are among the least-studied North American forest types. Defined by the presence of one or more species of pinyon pine ( Pinus spp.) and juniper ( Juniperus spp.), this forest type is associated with a range of different vegetation.
What animals live in the pinyon juniper forest?
Many animal species find refuge in pinyon-juniper woodlands, including mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadensis), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), and Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana).
Where do pinyon juniper trees grow in Arizona?
Pinyon-juniper wooded shrubland. Pinyon-juniper wooded shrubland is often found in, but is not restricted to, areas where winter precipitation predominates, including portions of northern Arizona and New Mexico. It can occur on a wide variety of substrates and terrain, from plains and valleys to lower montane areas.
What is a pinyon pine forest?
Defined by the presence of one or more species of pinyon pine (Pinus spp.) and juniper (Juniperus spp.), this forest type is associated with a range of different vegetation. The majority of pinyon-juniper woodlands are found in regions subject to temperature extremes and limited moisture availability.