Colorado juniper
Juniperus scopulorum
Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as Rocky Mountain juniper, is a native North American tree. While traditionally used by some indigenous communities for various purposes such as making baskets and tools, no specific traditional medicinal uses are recorded in the literature. Scientific studies have shown that Juniperus scopulorum samples contain varying amounts of calcium and potentially toxic elements like lead, but these findings do not provide sufficient evidence to determine its safety as a calcium source. The plant's growth is more limited by water availability at lower elevations compared to higher elevations. Fossil records from Rancho La Brea indicate that the tree's distribution has expanded over time, with documented extirpation around 13 ka. During cold acclimation, plants sourced from colder environments maintained higher ratios of soluble sugars to starch despite similar overall increases in nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- All samples contained varying amounts of calcium and potentially toxic elements like lead, insufficient for determining safety as a Ca source.
- Juniperus scopulorum growth was more limited by water availability at lower elevations than at higher elevations.
- The study identifies Juniperus scopulorum from Rancho La Brea fossils, expanding its known distribution and documenting its extirpation around 13 ka.
- Plants sourced from colder environments maintained higher ratios of soluble sugars to starch during cold acclimation, despite similar overall increases in NSC concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Colorado juniper?
Colorado juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Colorado juniper?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Colorado juniper; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: All samples contained varying amounts of calcium and potentially toxic elements like lead, insufficient for determining safety as a Ca source.
How strong is the evidence for Colorado juniper?
The strongest finding for Colorado juniper carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Colorado juniper safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Colorado juniper in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Colorado juniper interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Colorado juniper in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Colorado juniper?
Colorado juniper is also known as: Можжевельник скальный, Genévrier des Rocheuses.
Is Colorado juniper a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Juniperus virginiana sourced from colder climates maintain higher ratios of soluble sugars to starch during cold acclimation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Identification of fossil juniper seeds from Rancho La Brea (California, USA): drought and extirpation in the Late Pleistocene. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of Juniper Ash Elemental Composition for Potential Use in a Traditional Indigenous Dietary Pattern. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Opportunistic growth phenology and wateruse of semi-arid tree species of northern Arizona. literature abstract metadata