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About Arboretum |
Common
Juniper - Juniperus
communis
Habitat
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native to northern
parts of Asia, Europe and the United States
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has one of the widest
distributions of any shrub
Habit and Form
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evergreen
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medium-sized tree with
wide spreading branches
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branches pointed
upwards, typically at a 45oF angle from the ground
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usually found as a
multi-branched shrub
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5' to 10' tall and 8'
to 12' wide
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slow growth
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medium texture
Summer Foliage
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awl-shaped needles
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needles persist for 3
years
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needles set at a wide
angle from stem
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needles are concave
with a broad white band on upper-side
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blunt needle tip
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gray-green to
blue-green in colour
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needles can be found in
whorls of 3 on branch lets
Flowers
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dioecious
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staminate flowers
yellow
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no ornamental value
Fruit
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3-seeded cone, sessile
or on short stalks
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globose in shape
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0.33" to 0.5" in
diameter
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blue-black in colour
with a waxy bloom
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ripens during second or
third year
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used for flavouring gin
Bark
Its usage:
Even the German tribes knew juniper. In the middle ages its tree
was burnt to cast away witch spells and it was thought to protect
against pest.
Indian tribes used it to cure injuries caused by freezing while
incense was made from its leaves.
The seeds of the cones have diuretic effect, however, their
longer usage might damage the kidney and it should not be used during
pregnancy. On the other hand, as a spice you can use it with no fear.
The etheric oil of its tree is added to anointives against
rheumatic pains but in case of pregnancy or kidney diseases it is
not advised to apply.
Seeds themselves can also be found in different types of herb tea since
juniper essence oil has an antiseptic, diuretic and detoxifying
effect on the body. It is also applicable to treat rheumatic
complaints, bladder infection, acne and eczema.
Mature cone seeds are given to season gin, roasted pork, beef or
poultry. Good quality brown paint is often retrieved from it as
well.
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