Rocky Mountain juniper "Fisht." Krasnodar region

Rocky Mountain juniper originates from North America. It typically grows in mountainous areas among rocks, which is reflected in its species name. It belongs to the cypress family. Most varieties of Rocky Mountain juniper are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the Russian climate. These junipers are characterized by their beautiful bluish or steel-colored needles.

Rocky Mountain junipers are incredibly long-lived, with a lifespan exceeding 1,000 years. They grow slowly. They prefer sunlight but can tolerate some shading, although they lose their decorative appeal in more shaded areas. The tree is often multi-trunked from the base, reaching a height of 10-18 meters in the wild, while cultivated varieties grow to 3-4 meters.

The Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) "Fisht," presented at the RUSSIA EXPO by the Krasnodar region, was developed at the Gavrish nursery in Krymsk, located in the Krasnodar region. It is named after one of the mountain peaks of the Greater Caucasus Range, as well as the Fisht Stadium, one of the venues of the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games.

The "Fisht" juniper was selected from the Rocky Mountain juniper variety "Blue Arrow." This variety inherited the best qualities of the parent variety and developed its own. It is quite frost-resistant, thriving in the central part of Russia, and is resistant to heat, drought, soil salinity, and compaction.

Unlike the parent and other closely related varieties, the "Fisht" juniper has shown high resistance to rust fungi. "Fisht" is slightly shorter than "Blue Arrow." Its crown is broader, forming a medium-pyramidal shape rather than the narrow columnar shape of the original variety.

"Fisht" propagates well by cuttings and tolerates pruning well.

In 2017, it was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements.

The wood of Rocky Mountain juniper is strong, durable, has a beautiful texture, and a pleasant aroma, making it useful for various purposes. Essential oils are extracted from the shoots. The dried and powdered cone berries are often used as a flavoring agent. The branches are used as incense to purify homes and eliminate odors.