The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Humilis creeping juniper

Family: Cupressaceae (cypress family)

Distribution: Species native to n. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Evergreen groundcover

Comments: One of many cultivars noted for its spreading procumbent habit. Grows to less than 1' tall, but will eventually spread 10-20' wide. The prickly needles are bluish green, and hold this color in winter. Slow-growing and distinguished by recurving branch tips. Forms an excellent groundcover for hot, dry slopes. One of the better evergreen groundcovers that is nice used with other conifers or growing over a stone wall.