Cupressaceae - Cedar or Cypress Family

The Cupressaceae is a large family of conifers with a world-wide distribution. There are about 140 species in the family, which includes some of very important allergy plants. In Oklahoma, the family is represented by five species of Juniperus which are native to the state as well as various ornamentals.

In Tulsa, Juniperus virginiana is abundant in the city and the surrounding area; this species is rapidly spreading across the central prairie states where it is causing ecological problems. The pollen from J. virginiana is in the air from February through May. The link below will show you the local pollen season for eastern redcedar. Although J. ashei and J. pinchotii do not grow in or close to Tulsa, the pollen is carried to our area by prevailing winds. We pick up the pollen from these species in our air samplers each year. Juniperus ashei pollinates in December and January, and J. pinchotii releases pollen from mid September through November.

Juniperus ashei - mountain cedar or Ashe juniper

Juniperus monosperma - one-seed juniper

Juniperus pinchotii - redberry juniper

Juniperus scopulorum - Rocky Mountain juniper

Juniperus virginiana - eastern redcedar