ExplorePlants

common juniper

Juniperus communis

The common juniper is a small shrub with needle-like leaves and blue berries. It grows in many places and is great for wildlife, providing food and shelter.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The common juniper is a coniferous shrub with stiff, pointed, needle-like leaves, typically arranged in whorls of three. Its 'berries' are actually small, round, fleshy cones that ripen to a distinctive blue-black color, often with a powdery white coating. It can vary from a low, spreading bush to an upright, slender tree, making it visually distinct from other conifers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyCupressaceaeGenusJuniperus
common juniper
aromatic trait badgeshrub trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badge
common juniper

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its 'berries' are actually mini cones that take two whole years to fully ripen!

Juniper is famous for giving gin its unique, piney flavour!

Some juniper plants can live for over 1,000 years, making them ancient living witnesses!

This tough plant is one of the most widespread conifers in the Northern Hemisphere!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Green

Common juniper keeps its tough, waxy needles all year, which helps it perform photosynthesis even in winter when other plants lose their leaves.

Ability

Spiky Shield

Common juniper's sharp, pointed needles can deter hungry animals from nibbling its foliage, protecting it from being eaten.

Measurements & details

Height
50-500 cm
Spread
100-400 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't eat the berries without asking an adult first, as some berries can be tricky.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common juniper?

50-500 cm

How wide does common juniper spread?

100-400 cm

When does common juniper bloom?

Spring

Is common juniper edible?

Yes

Is common juniper toxic?

Mild

What is common juniper's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common juniper pollinated?

Wind

Where is common juniper usually found?

Grasslands

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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