Juniperus communis Common Juniper

General

A common shrub of North America that will grow in a variety of dry, sunny sites.  Provides food and cover for birds and various small mammals.

Plant Description

A medium sized evergreen shrub 5-10’ in height. Blue green dense foliage year-round. Yellow, roundish inconspicuous flowers and bright blue to almost black matte berry-like cones.

Height (ft)
5-10

Soil moisture
Low

Soil types
Sandy Soils and Loams, rocky areas

Wetland indicator
FAC

Shade tolerance
Full Sun, Shade Intolerant

Bloom color
Yellow (Inconspicuous)

Bloom period
Spring and Summer

Fall conspicuous
No (Evergreen)

Anaerobic tolerance
None

Drought tolerance
High

Salinity tolerance
Medium

Self-Pollinating?
No

Range

Throughout North America, common in the western third of the continental US, around the Great Lakes, and in the north east. Present but not common in Vermont and in the east south of New York.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, a decoction of the roots, leaves and branches have been taken for stomach pains, cough and heartburn. A decoction of the berries and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi are strained and taken for tuberculosis. Leaves have been burned as incense during ceremonies and wooden flutes made from this plant to charm a girl into loving them.