As for cleaning, I never tried this myself but paraphrasing from "growing and propagating showy native plants"

fruit can be removed by soaking in water in a covered jar, (wholes poked in top) for 24 to 48 hours. Do this outside becuase fermentation may smell. Can also add yeast to water if they don't seperate from fruit. Once they seperate pour off pulp and non-viable (floating) seed.

I'll also disclose that book is not about conifers per se. If you try this, let us know how it goes. I was curious about it when I read it.

Hi Osprey,

Unlike many other junipers, Juniperus deppeana cones are fairly dry and somewhat fibrous. The cones can be broken apart by hand and the seeds separated from the 'pulp' without any need to soak.

The pulp after removing the seeds is edible, fairly sweet, though also a bit resinous-flavoured.

Resin

I've also heard the pulp is edible, but resin is not something I would want to eat. I used to play cone wars with my brother while in the woods. From what I remember they are quite big for junipers, isn't it. When is the best time for collecting, whenever they get a yellowish color?
Tcharles, I'll keep you know how it goes.

osprey

Hi Osprey,

This link (pdf) might be useful

Resin

Here is a link that might be useful: Adams & Schwarzbach (2006)

I went this w-end to the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces. It is the dryiest place where I've seen J. deppeana growing. The trees growing there are quite small compared to the ones I have seen south in Chihuahua. Sorry, but no seeds on those trees, I guess they do not produce good crops every year, guess why????. Here are some pics I took:
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osprey

I found some cones in my small J. deppeana. It is the first time it produces cones, but the seeds seem to be good, 3-5/berry. Will they be viable being the only tree that produced cones.
Here is a pic of one of them (7'-8')
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and the cones
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When is the best time for collecting the berries. I would be happy to share/exchange seed...

osprey

Hi Osprey,

Most of those look immature to me - they take about 18 months from pollination to maturity, and these are just six months old. The possible exception is the 3 brown ones, top left of centre. But even those, it may just be that the glaucous bloom has got rubbed off by an adjacent twig.

Resin

Thank you Resin, I thought they were mature since the seeds are hard to touch.. Will they be viable giving the fact that is the only tree with cones

osprey

"Will they be viable giving the fact that is the only tree with cones"

Probably not, unless there's a male nearby that was able to pollinate them

Resin

That looks like a fatty . I was curious myself . What a fabulous species . I am lucky enough to have 'McFetters' , 'Mount Santos' , 'Ohmy Blue' , plus a seedling from B&T .The skillah for sure . Looks grrreat with Cupressus glabra 'Chaparral' . Ummmm ... 'McFetters' . Thanks for the seed tip Resin . Desperately seeking seed when it happens Osprey . Will flow when it happens on this end .

osprey, if you are still looking, Plants of the SW has seed.

thanks flattie, I collected some already. Will you try to grow them. I have seeds of P. discolor and cembroides if you are interested in trying those.

osprey