Common Juniper

(Juniperus communis)

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Juniperus communis, commonly known as Common Juniper, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to a wide range of habitats including boreal forests, temperate regions, and mountainous areas across North America, Europe, and Asia. It exhibits remarkable variability in form, often reaching 10 to 16 meters (33 to 52 feet) tall as a tree, or appearing as a low, prostrate shrub in harsh, exposed locations. The foliage consists of needle-like leaves arranged in whorls of three, maintaining a green color throughout the year. Common Juniper is dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures are found on separate plants, with pollination occurring via wind. The fruit is a berry-like cone, maturing from green to a purple-black hue with a blue waxy bloom after 18 months.

Common Juniper is valued for its adaptability and is used as an ornamental shrub in gardens, where it can serve as ground cover, a windbreak, or even a specimen plant. It is also appreciated for its aromatic wood and berries, which are used in flavoring gin. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of water conditions and soil types, including those with poor drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases and may suffer from juniper blight. It is also important to note that the plant can become invasive when introduced outside its native range, so care should be taken to manage its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 5-15 feet
  • Width: 9-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Boreal forests, temperate regions, and mountainous areas across North America, Europe, and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Jalovec Obecný , Almindelig Ene , Ene , Enebaer , Gemeine Wacholder , Gewöhnlicher Wacholder , Wacholder , Enebro Común , Enebro Real , Koti

Scientific Names: Juniperus communis , Juniperus depressa , Juniperus communis var. compressa , Juniperus communis f. oblonga-pendula , Juniperus communis var. aureospica , Juniperus communis var. pendula , Juniperus communis f. aurea , Juniperus communis f. pendula , Juniperus communis f. pungens , Juniperus communis var. arborea

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus communis L.