variety of native species, such as turkeys, deer, and many others. However, as the species matures, it becomes too tall to provide adequate food and shelter for deer and other ground animals of similar size. is a larval host for the native moth sequoia sphinx (Sphinx sequoiae). Uses The plant was used as a traditional Native American medicinal plant, and as a food source, by the indigenous peoples of California, including the Cahuilla people, Kumeyaay people (Diegueno), Serrano, and Ohlone people. They gathered the berries to eat fresh and to grind into meal for baking. The wood was also used for sinew-backed bows. J. californica is cultivated as an ornamental plant, as a dense shrub (and eventual tree) for use in habitat gardens, heat and drought-tolerant gardens, and in natural landscaping design. It is very tolerant of alkali soil, and can provide erosion control on dry slopes. It is also a popular species for bonsai. References Further reading Adams, Robert P. (1993): 10. Juniperus californica. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.): Flora of North America North of Mexico vol. 2. Adams, Robert P. (2004): Junipers of the World: The Genus Juniperus. Trafford Publishing . External links Calflora Database: Juniperus californica (California juniper) Gymnosperm Database: Juniperus californica Juniperus californica — UC Photos gallery californica Trees of the Southwestern United States Trees of Mexican Pacific Islands Trees of Baja California Flora of California Flora of the California desert regions Flora of the Great Basin Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States) Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands Natural history of the Mojave Desert Natural history of the California Coast Ranges Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges Natural history of the Transverse Ranges Trees of the Great Basin Least concern plants Plants used in Native American cuisine Plants used in traditional Native American medicine Pre-Columbian California cuisine Pre-Columbian Southwest cuisine Plants used in bonsai Garden plants of North America Ornamental trees Taxa named by Élie-Abel Carrière