Dwarf Juniper

(Juniperus communis subsp. nana)

Dwarf Juniper (Juniperus communis subsp. nana)

John Brew

CC BY 4.0

Image By: John Brew

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Juniperus communis subsp. nana, commonly known as Dwarf Juniper, is an evergreen shrub native to a variety of habitats including boreal forests, mountainous regions, and heathlands across the Northern Hemisphere. It is a low-growing conifer, typically reaching heights of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) with a similar spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). This subspecies of Juniperus communis has a dense, cushion or mat-forming habit, with needle-like leaves that are rich green in color. The shrub produces small, yellowish flowers that give way to berry-like cones, which are initially green but mature to a dark, bluish-black hue. These cones are often used as a spice in culinary applications.

Dwarf Juniper is valued for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, ground covers, and as a low hedge in landscape design. It is also appreciated for its aromatic foliage and its ability to thrive in poor soils. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if grown in overly moist conditions. Dwarf Juniper is also known for its resistance to deer browsing, adding to its appeal for gardeners dealing with wildlife pressure.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 6-3 feet
Width: 3-3.3 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including boreal forests, mountainous regions, and heathlands across the Northern Hemisphere

Other Names

Common Names: Mountain Juniper, Rocky Juniper, Zwergwacholder, Lapinkataja, Genévrier Des Alpes, Genévrier Des Montagnes, Genévrier Nain, Ginepro Nano, Fjelleiner, Fjäll-En

Scientific Names: , Juniperus communis var. montana, Juniperus nana, Juniperus sibirica, Juniperus communis var. jackii, Juniperus communis var. saxatilis, Juniperus communis subsp. nana, Juniperus communis subsp. alpina, Juniperus communis var. alpina, Juniperus communis subsp. saxatilis

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Pall.