Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)
The Common Juniper is a slow-growing, upright evergreen shrub with a usually columnar shape. The oblong leaves are sharp-pointed. The blue-black berries are widely used in the kitchen.
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Appearance
The Common Juniper is a slow-growing, upright evergreen shrub with a usually columnar shape. The oblong leaves are sharp-pointed. The blue-black berries are widely used in the kitchen.
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Leaves
Oblong, very stiff, grey-green needles, 1-1.5cm long, 0.1-0.2cm wide. Sharply pointed.
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Leaf upperside
Oblong, very stiff, grey-green needles, 1-1.5cm long, 0.1-0.2cm wide. Sharply pointed.
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Fruits
Short-stemmed black-blue cones of fleshy scales which have grown together and remain closed until ripe. Ripen after 2 or 3 years. Roundish berries, measuring approx. 1 cm in diameter.
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Bark
Bark is longitudinally fissured, grey.
Poisonousness
The berries and needles contain ethereal oils and are therefore slightly toxic. Skin contact may cause red marks or blisters. Consumption of poisonous parts may lead to nausea, feeling of sickness and stomach pains.
Application
Open country, hillside stabilization, bird protection, parks, urban areas, container plants, private parks, gardens, front gardens, verandas
Native regions
North America, Central and northern Europe, Southern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Middle East, North Africa
Location parameters
Light: sunny to slightly shady, temperature: warm to normal, soil: dry to fresh. soil structure: firm to airy, soil depth: deep, soil quality: low to medium, pH value: 5.5 to 7.5
Demands
Likes low-nutrient, sandy soils and sunny locations
Growth
Height of growth: 5m to 8m, growth habits: dense, bushy, often multi-stemmed
Leaves
Oblong, very stiff, grey-green needles, 1-1.5cm long, 0.1-0.2cm wide. Sharply pointed.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-VI, inconspicuous. Female flowers are green, male flowers yellowish.
Fruits
Short-stemmed black-blue cones of fleshy scales which have grown together and remain closed until ripe. Ripen after 2 or 3 years. Roundish berries, measuring approx. 1 cm in diameter.
Bark
Bark is longitudinally fissured, grey.
Roots
Deep-rooting, taprooting