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Submit a photoCommon Juniper
Juniperus communis
A low, sprawling evergreen found from boreal rocky uplands to alpine scree. Needle-like leaves in whorls of three, each with a single white stripe above. Blue-black berry-like cones (actually modified female cones) take 2–3 years to ripen — the flavour agent of gin. Widely used in traditional medicine. Circumpolar distribution; same species as European juniper.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Boreal, Foothills, Mountains, Zone 2
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
May–June; berries ripen 2–3 years later
Soil
Well-drained, lean, rocky or sandy; tolerates alkaline pH
Water
Low — very drought-tolerant
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed requires warm (2–3 months) then cold (3–4 months) stratification and is slow/unreliable. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in fall with bottom heat and rooting hormone are more dependable.
Always verify plant identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. This information is for educational purposes only.
