Juniper belongs to the genus Juniperus, which has around 70 species and is mainly found in the northern hemisphere. The adaptable trees inhabit habitats between the subarctic climate zone and the semi-deserts. Because of their growth habit and pretty fruits, they are considered popular ornamental shrubs.
What are the properties of juniper plants?
Juniper (Juniperus) is an evergreen shrub or tree that occurs in various habitats. It develops berry-shaped cones with a black-blue color, has needle-shaped or scale-shaped leaves and prefers sunny and dry conditions in the garden. It is naturally robust but susceptible to pear rust.
Growth
Juniperus species grow like a shrub or tree. Some species such as Juniperus horizontalis develop prostrate shoots and are well suited as ground cover. Other trees such as Juniperus communis grow rigidly upright and develop a columnar habit. All junipers are evergreen and have scale or needle-shaped leaves.
Flowers and fruits
Juniper belongs to the gymnosperm plant group. The woody plants develop male and female cones on various plants whose flower organs are exposed. Pollination occurs by wind. The female cones are berry-shaped and do not change their shape until the fruit ripens. You can tell when the fruit is ripe by the color. It usually takes two years until then.
In the final stage, the cone fruits are black-blue in color and have bluish frost. They are eaten by birds, which help spread the seeds. The fruits taste very bitter and are poisonous in most species. Juniperus communis develops fruits with low levels of toxic essential oils.
Use in the kitchen:
- for making spirits
- as a spice addition to hearty dishes
- for tea infusions
Planting Tips
In the garden, juniper prefers a sunny location and dry conditions. Juniper is suitable for individual or group planting. The bushes form privacy hedges or cover unsightly corners of the garden with their creeping shoots.
Caring for the trees turns out to be easy. In addition to regular pruning, you don't have to pay any attention to the bushes. The plants become more and more beautiful over the years. To harvest Juniperus communis berries, female and male plants must be in close proximity. Otherwise the cones cannot be fertilized.
Diseases
Juniper is a robust tree that is rarely affected by diseases and pests. A common disease is pear rust, which is caused by a fungus. Shoot death can occur if the location is not suitable or incorrect care measures have been carried out. Brown shoots can also be caused by a fungus.
