Nature and Successional Status of Western Juniper Vegetation in Idaho

Abstract

Western juniper invasion of sagebrush-bunchgrass vegetation in southwestern Idaho was verified. The invasion started about 1860 and is continuing at present. Juniper was found to be climax on rocky ridges and rimrocks where soil development is limited. Seral juniper stands were found on the deeper soils of valley slopes and bottoms. These sites were previously occupied by productive sagebrush-grass stands. It appears that juniper control would be more beneficial on invaded sites than on climax juniper sites.