Common Juniper

(Juniperus communis)

Color Photograph: © by Nearctica.com, Inc.

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.)

Identifying Characters: Common Juniper is the only North American juniper without scale-like leaves.

Similar Species: See above.

Measurements: Common Juniper in North America is almost always a shrub, rarely forming a tree. In tree form it is wide and spreading rarely reaching over 10 feet.

Female Cones: The cones are berry-like, round, to slightly elongate; length about 0.25 inches; color dark blue covered with a white to gray outer waxy bloom; 1 to 3 seeds.

Leaves: Leaves are needle like and scale-like leaves are absent; needles 0.3 to 0.5 inches in length and arising at a strong angle from the branch; needles pointed at the apex.

Bark: Bark dark red-brown separating into loose, papery scales.

Native Range: Common Juniper is the most widespread species of juniper occurring in the boreal regions of both the New World and the Old World. In North America Common Juniper occurs throughout the boreal and tundra regions. It is also found in the mountains of western North America as far south as Arizona and New Mexico. In the east Common Juniper occurs in eastern Canada, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin extending southward to Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Habitat: Common Juniper occurs in the boreal and tundra regions of North America, or in the mountains further south. The species occurs in a variety of habitats, but is most common on rocky soils.

Notes: Common Juniper is a common ornamental plant in yards, parks, and elsewhere. The berries give gin its distinct flavor.