Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' / Trautman Chinese juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Trautman' is a narrowly upright, pyramidal selection of Chinese juniper with coarse, fastigiate branching; dark, blue-green foliage that holds color well in winter in colder climates; and a yearly bounty of silvery-blue berries, providing winter interest and forage fir bird life. After 10 years, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and 2 feet (60 wide), an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected by highly respected Wisconsin nurseryman, Herbert Trautman, from a crop of open-pollinated Chinese juniper seedlings at Johnson's Nursery, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Johnson's Nursery is credited with introducing this conifer to the nursery trade.

[ Iseli Nursery website ] a hardy alternative to the temperate Italian Cypress. This narrow, coarse textured, bluish gray-green spire has incredible potential throughout the gardening world. As a single specimen it will make a majestic statement as it towers above other garden plants while maintaining a small footprint. Planted in a row, ‘Trautman’ will serve as a screen of unusual beauty because of its unique color and texture. Will thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

[ Johnson's Nursery website ] It is one of the few upright junipers that can be rooted from cuttings, so grafting is not absolutely necessary. I have never seen deer browse damage on this plant. It is resistant to phomopsis blight which commonly makes Juniperus scopulorum cultivars brown out and become ugly.