Alder, Michael G.
Juniperus communis L.
Common juniper
Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
Usually a spreading low
shrub, sometimes forming broad or
prostrate clumps; rarely a small
tree with an open irregular crown.
Although commonly a
tree in Eurasia, Common Juniper is only rarely a small
tree in New England and other northeastern States. In the West, it is a low
shrub, often at timberline. Including geographic varieties, this species is the most widely distributed
native conifer in both North America and the world. Juniper berries are food for wildlife, especially grouse, pheasants, and bobwhites. They are an ingredient in gin, producing the distinctive aroma and tang.
Image Gallery:
3 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf: Green
Fruit: Black, Blue
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: AL , AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DE , GA , ID , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: Widespread from Alaska east to Labrador and S. Greenland, south to New York, and west to Minnesota and Wyoming; also south in mountains to NW. South Carolina and central Arizona; also Iceland and across N. Eurasia; to 8000-11,5000 (2438-3505 m) in south.
Native Habitat: Rocky slopes in coniferous forests of mountains and plains.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Sandy
Benefit
Use Food: EDIBLE PARTS: Berries used to flavor gin and for cooked meats and red cabbage. Crushed berries make nice seasoning. Juniper tea can be made by placing a dozen young berryless twigs in a quart of cold water.
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: Fleshy cones (resemble berries), leaves. Toxic Principle: Volatile oils including thujone.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Last Update: 2007-01-01
