Sylvia’s tree

Juniperus

Watercolor and Graphite on Paper

Sylvia’s tree is an ancient juniper that is growing in Utah’s west desert. It was named after the wife of William Gray, a Biologist, emeritus professor at the University of Utah, and Utah native plant enthusiast.

This tree is estimated to be near 1500 years old. It grows in sand among other junipers and rocky formations. Its trunks are twisted and the bark is papery and flakes off. The “berries” are a delightful milky blue and dead branches are surprisingly sparse on this side of the tree.