Common Name(s): Alligator Juniper

Scientific Name: Juniperus deppeana

Distribution: Southwestern United States and northern Mexico

Tree Size:  30-50 ft (9-15 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 36 lbs/ft³ (585 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .48, .58

Janka Hardness: 1,160 lb_f (5,160 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 6,700 lb_f/in² (46.2 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 650,000 lb_f/in² (4.48 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 4,120 lb_f/in² (28.4 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 2.7%, Tangential: 3.6%, Volumetric: 7.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.3

Color/Appearance: No data available.

Grain/Texture: No data available.

Rot Resistance: No data available.

Workability: No data available.

Odor: No data available.

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Alligator Juniper has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicityand Wood Dust Safetyfor more information.

Pricing/Availability: No data available.

Sustainability:  This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.

Common Uses: No data available.

Comments:  So named for the bark’s resemblance to the rough and textured skin of an alligator. A small coniferous tree that’s technically related to the widely popular Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). 

Alligator Juniper (sanded)

Alligator Juniper (sealed)

Alligator Juniper (endgrain)