Junipers grow all across the northern hemisphere, with native species here in North America, across in Europe, through the Middle East and central Asia, and all the way into China, Korea and Japan. It helps to be aware of the main species, as we can then often predict how best to grow the different varieties they have produced.
Where does juniper grow in the world?
Juniper (Juniperus communis ) is an evergreen shrub found on mountains and heaths throughout Europe, Southwest Asia, and North America. The tree grows to a height of 6-25 ft (2-8 m) and has stiff, pointed needles that grow to 0.4 in (1 cm) long.
Where can juniper be found?
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.
What climate does juniper grow in?
cool temperate climatesTemperature and Humidity Common junipers are native to the cool temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere, and as such are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. Considered hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7, most varieties of common juniper can withstand winter temperatures as low as minus 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where do juniper berries grow best?
The common juniper is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 6 and is found in a wide variety of soils. The plants grow in Asia, Europe, and North America. Recognizing this species can be difficult because it grows in a wide variety of forms. It may be a low, spreading shrub or a tall tree up to 25 feet (7.5 m.)
Which countries produce juniper berries?
Juniper bushes can be found in eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Hungary, also in western Europe France and Spain and in north America - Canada. This evergreen shrub grows up to 6 metres tall. It has dark green or blue needles and small flowers and berries. The berries change colour over the first few years of growth.
Is juniper poisonous to humans?
Certain varieties of juniper berry contain safe, low amounts of Thujone, while other varieties contain high levels and can make you very sick. The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is the variety most often used to make gin, medicines, and food dishes, as it is considered safe for human consumption.
Is juniper hard to grow?
Their ability to grow in some pretty tough situations, with little care, makes junipers prized in gardens. Although they handle drought well, they need well-drained soil. They also need full sun for the best growth. (They even tolerate winter's salt spray, so they work alongside roads and sidewalks.)
Are juniper trees hard to grow?
Junipers are ideal if you want an ornamental container plant, and they stay smaller for longer periods if their roots are restricted. Not only can you grow them as a traditional large container specimen or a topiary, but they are one of the easiest plants to grow as a bonsai tree.
Is juniper easy to grow?
Juniper is low maintenance and easy to grow. The plants need full sun and a well-drained soil. These drought-tolerant plants do not like wet soil. They can suffer if overwatered.
Are juniper trees rare?
Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) As the name suggests, this juniper shrub is commonly found throughout much of the world. It grows well in both alkaline and acidic soils, as well as adapts to many locations, such as windy sites. This plant can take many forms depending on its environment.
Can juniper grow in tropical climate?
The juniper genus (Juniperus) belongs to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). The genus contains about 80 species, of which only two occur naturally in Central Europe. The other juniper varieties are almost all distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere – from the Arctic to tropical regions.
Are juniper berries and blueberries the same?
Juniper berries are berries that are blue, and they look strikingly similar to the common blueberry that you may find on a leisurely hike through the wilderness, but they are very different fruits. First of all, juniper berries aren't technically berries, but rather cones that happen to look like blueberries.
What states do juniper trees grow?
The genus Juniperus is the old Latin name for the plant. Occidentalis means “western” and indicates the range of this species. Western junipers occur in the Great Basin portion of eastern California, northwestern Nevada, eastern Oregon, and portions of eastern Washington and southwestern Idaho.
Does juniper grow wild?
It occurs naturally in Asia, Europe and North America, and it is the parent of dozens of popular ornamental varieties. In the wild, common juniper can be any shape from low spreading shrub to, less commonly, 25-foot tree.
Are juniper trees rare?
Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) As the name suggests, this juniper shrub is commonly found throughout much of the world. It grows well in both alkaline and acidic soils, as well as adapts to many locations, such as windy sites. This plant can take many forms depending on its environment.
Where do junipers grow?
Native to the cool, temperature climates of the northern hemisphere, common junipers (Juniperus communis) have a nearly complete circumpolar distribution - occurring naturally throughout parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. This makes the common juniper one of the most widely distributed shrubs in the world.
How cold can junipers get?
At their maximum, common junipers can withstand winter temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius (or -49 degrees Fahrenheit), and may frequently experience summer temperatures as high as 30 degrees Celsius (or 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Common junipers grow well in USDA zones 2 through 7.
What are the common diseases of junipers?
Watch out for diseases such as juniper blight, twig blight, and cedar apple rust - all of which can be handled with prompt and aggressive pruning. Common pests of the common juniper include bagworms, juniper scale, aphids, and more.
What color are juniper leaves?
They are characterized by needle-like, aromatic leaves and berry-like green cones that turn a deep purple/blue as they ripen. Common junipers have many different practical uses. In their native regions, the berries are enjoyed by many different species of birds and wildlife and are utilized by humans too.
What are the pests that eat juniper?
Common pests of the common juniper include bagworms, juniper scale, aphids, and more. Checking the shrub over semi-annually for signs of pests and using an insecticide when needed should keep any major infestations under control. Read More.
How tall is a common juniper?
These hardy conifers are variable in form, typically depending on where they are located. They range from a tall, tree-like form that can reach up to 50 feet tall, ...
How long do juniper seeds need to be kept in airtight container?
Common juniper seeds require cold- stratification in order to germinate and must be kept in an airtight container at 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 120 days prior to planting.
How Many Kinds of Juniper Trees are There?
The number of Juniperus species is up for debate. Scientists disagree between 52 and 67 species. They are a member of the Cypress Family. We split junipers into two different sections dependent on their leaf shape. The Juniperus section contains trees with needle-like leaves and the Sabina section contains trees with scale-life leaves. Moreover, we further split the Juniperus section into two different sub-sections. According to www.coniferousforest.com, the three sub-sections are Juniperus, Oxycedrus, and Caryocedrus. They further breakdown into:
How Large do Juniper Trees Grow?
Junipers are large trees but do vary in size. Junipers can grow to between 60 and 130 feet. Most of the species grow to 3 feet in trunk size, but there are some that reach 13 feet. Additionally, junipers grow vast canopies that are widespread. On the other hand, the berries produced by junipers also vary in size. They can range from 0.16 to 1 inch in size.
What Does a Juniper Tree Look Like?
Given that juniper trees vary in size, there is some variation in their appearance. Juniper trees have a blue to silver appearance, but some species are golden brown. Notably, juniper trees are coniferous. The Juniperus section has leaves that are needle-like and prickly. While the Sabina section grows, needle leaves that flatten when they mature and look like scales. Overall, most juniper trees have weeping branches that droop to the ground.
What are Some Uses for Juniper Trees?
With the extensive growth of junipers around the world, humans have found a multitude of uses for the berries and the lumber.
Can I Grow a Juniper Tree?
Junipers are hardy and easy to grow. They can grow just about anywhere. Overall, junipers are low maintenance, but they will need full sun and a drained soil that isn’t too wet. Juniper grow extensive root system that allows them to tolerate drought when necessary. Junipers are slow-growing. With this in mind, do not expect to see your juniper reach maturity for 50 years. Many plant junipers as ornamental trees or shrubs. A sapling can be purchased from a nursery. Therefore, you can get a leg up on that 50 year wait.
Best Juniper Varieties
Can you believe that there are nearly 60 species of juniper shrubs ( Juniperus spp.)? Well, there are! But, to keep it simple here are the most common 16 species in North America. Many of these grow wild, while others are primarily cultivated in gardens.
Planting Juniper
Plant your shrub in either spring or autumn. While junipers thrive in extreme heat and cold, it’s best to plant them during the milder weather to give them a chance to become established before the harsh weather arrives.
Caring for Juniper
Every plant needs water, right? Juniper is no exception, but this plant only needs little supplemental or no watering if you live in a climate that experiences regular downfall. In fact, overwatering is one of the main reasons that juniper shrubs develop diseases. Think about the environment you see junipers growing in naturally.
Juniper Diseases and Pests
Some of the most common problems that may trouble you while growing junipers are spider mites, bagworms, and bark beetles. Plants that are stressed are more susceptible to problems. Most issues are mostly caused by overly watered soil, too much shade, and insufficient air circulation.
Using Juniper Berries
Juniper berries have a distinct spicy, pine-like, resinous, flavor. You might be familiar with the flavor from gin, which is made using young juniper berries. The berries aren’t actually berries, but modified cones, and they come in various colors but most are deep blue.
Use Caution
You should never use immature berries in food or medicine, and don’t use the berries from J. sabina and J. oxycedrus. These species are poisonous. You should also use caution if you are pregnant or nursing. Talk to your doctor before using any new medication.
Where does juniper come from?
They are also used in the Italian region of Apulia, especially to flavour brines. Juniper, typically Juniperus communis, is used to flavor gin, a liquor developed in the 17th century in the Netherlands. The name gin itself is derived from either the French genièvre or the Dutch jenever, which both mean "juniper".
Where is Juniperus phoenicea found?
Juniper berries, including Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus oxycedrus have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs at multiple sites. J. oxycedrus is not known to grow in Egypt, and neither is Juniperus excelsa, which was found along with J. oxycedrus in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
How big are Juniperus communis berries?
Juniperus communis berries vary from four to twelve millimeters in diameter; other species are mostly similar in size, though some are larger, notably J. drupacea (20–28 mm). Unlike the separated and woody scales of a typical pine cone, those in a juniper berry remain fleshy and merge into a unified covering surrounding the seeds.
What is the flavor of Juniper seeds?
A few North American juniper species produce a seed cone with a sweeter, less resinous flavor than those typically used as a spice. For example, one field guide describes the flesh of the berries of Juniperus californica as "dry, mealy, and fibrous but sweet and without resin cells". Such species have been used not just as a seasoning but as a nutritive food by some Native Americans. In addition to medical and culinary purposes, Native Americans have also used the seeds inside juniper berries as beads for jewellery and decoration.
Why did the Greeks use juniper berries?
The Greeks used the berries in many of their Olympics events because of their belief that the berries increased physical stamina in athletes. The Romans used juniper berries as a cheap domestically produced substitute for the expensive black pepper and long pepper imported from India.
What is the spice of juniper?
The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinctive flavour. Juniper berries may be the only spice derived from conifers.
What is a juniper berry?
A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which gives it a berry-like appearance.
