Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket' is a narrowly conical, female selection of Rocky Mountain or western juniper. In the east it often (inappropriately) called the red cedar. Its branching is mostly fastigiate and foliage is silvery blue in color. It also creates crops of blue berries that are popular as winter forage for birds. 'Skyrocket' is a very popular landscape tree for suburban landscapes.
Once established, 'Skyrocket' is drought tolerant and is often used as a screen or windbreak for full sun, in place of the more common Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), especially beyond the cypress' USDA Zone 7 limits. Because of this, it has become the most popular upright juniper growing 15 feet (3 m) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide after 10 years, making it, some claim, the narrowest juniper one can find. Although it seldom needs pruning, with age (and conditions) 'Skyrocket' can get leggy and wider than its advertised 2 to 3 foot (60 - 90 cm) spread.
This cultivar originated in the wild. It was "found" and named in 1949 by Schuel Nursery, South Bend, Indiana, USA.
