Common juniper (Juniperus communis, Sp. Pl.: 1040 (1753))

Family: Cupressaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1040 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juniperus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

The Common juniper is a resilient and widespread plant species found predominantly across the subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its botanical name, Juniperus communis, takes its roots from the Latin words that resonate with its widespread nature. This hardy evergreen shrub, chronicled by author Carl Linnaeus in 1753, is a member of the diverse and well-regarded Cupressaceae family.

Growing up to 10 meters tall, the Common juniper boasts an array of foliage that varies from needle-like leaves to scale-like leaves, predominantly reflecting its adaptability to a wide range of climates and soil conditions. The plant showcases a rugged aesthetic with thin, fibrous bark that peels off in strips, and branches that may spread widely, embracing an often irregular, sprawling form.

The cones of the Common juniper, often referred to as juniper berries, are notable for their distinct bluish hue and aromatic properties. These ‘berries,’ which are actually modified cones, hold a firm position in both cultural and culinary contexts, particularly in the production of gin and as a seasoning in European cuisine.

Ecologically, the Common juniper plays a significant role in its native habitats. It serves as an essential food source for various bird species, which disperse its seeds, and its dense foliage provides shelter for wildlife. Furthermore, its extensive root system is vital for soil stabilization, preventing erosion in the ecosystems it inhabits.

In traditional medicine, the juniper’s berries have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, thanks to their diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This usage highlights the plant’s inherent value extending beyond its ecological contributions.

Despite its robustness, the Common juniper faces challenges, including habitat loss and disease pressures like juniper blight. Conservation efforts are thus crucial to ensure that this pivotal species continues to thrive and support the ecological balance.

Overall, the Common juniper encapsulates a blend of rugged resilience and ecological significance, making it a fascinating study for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its broad distribution and historical importance underscore its role as a cornerstone species in the Northern Hemisphere’s environmental narrative.

Common Names

Fin: (koti)kataja
Swe: (koti)kataja, en
Tur: adi ardiç
Dan: almindelig ene, ene, enebær
Eng: common juniper, common-juniper, dwarf juniper, juniper, malchangel
Nor: einer, brisk, bruse, eene, eine
Deu: gemeine wacholder, gewöhnlicher wacholder, heide-wacholder, heide-wacholder i.w.s., wacholder
Nld: gewone jeneverbes, jeneverstruik
Hun: közönséges boróka
Por: cade, cedro
Nno: einer
Nob: einer
En: Common juniper, Juniper, Malchangel, Alpen-Wacholder, Mountain juniper, “Common Juniper, Ground Juniper”, Ground Juniper, DWARF JUNIPER, Gaagaagiwaandag, Gaskas, Gasngese, Kõõskâs, Riätká, Common-juniper, Prostrate Juniper, Low juniper
Sq: Dëllinja
Ar: عرعر شائع
Hy: Գիհի ցածրաաճ
Az: Adi ardıc
Ba: Артыш
Eu: Ipar-ipuru
Be: Ядловец звычайны
Bs: Smreka
Br: Jenevreg-boutin
Bg: Обикновена хвойна
Ca: Ginebre, Ginebre comú, Ginebró
Zh: 刺柏, 欧洲刺柏, 欧洲刺柏 (ou zhou ci bai)
Cv: Уртăш йывăççи
Hr: Obična borovica
Cs: Jalovec obecný
Da: Ene, Almindelig ene, Enebær, Enebær-træ
Nl: Jeneverbes, Gewone jeneverbes, Jeneverstruik
Eo: Ordinara junipero
Et: Harilik kadakas
Fo: Baraldur
Fi: Kotikataja, (koti)kataja
Fr: Genièvre commun, Genévrier, Genévrier commun, Genévrier nain, Genièvre, Peteron, Petrot
Gl: Xenebreiro
Ka: Ჩვეულებრივი ღვია
De: Heide-Wacholder, Gemeine Wacholder, Wacholder, Gemeiner Wacholder, Heider-Wacholder, Gewöhnlicher Wacholder, Heide-Wacholder i.w.S., Zwergwacholder, Feuerbaum, Krammetsbeerbaum, Kraunbaum
El: Άρκευθος
He: ערער מצוי
Hu: Közönséges boróka
Is: Einir
Ga: Aiteal
It: Ginepro, Ginepro comune
Kl: Kakillarnaq
Kv: Верӧс
Ko: 두송
Lv: Parastais kadiķis
Lt: Paprastasis kadagys
Mk: Обична смрека
Se: Reatká, Gaskkas
No: Einer, Eine, Brisk, Bruse, Eene, Enebær-træ, Ener
Nb: Einer
Nn: Einer
Fa: پیرو
Pl: Jałowiec pospolity, Jalowiec pospolity
Pt: Zimbreiro, Zimbro-comum, Zimbro, Zimbro-rasteiro, Cade, Cedro, Fruto-de-genebra, Junípero-comum, Zimbrão-anão
Ro: Ienupăr
Rm: Ginaiver cumin
Ru: Можжевельник обыкновенный, Можжевельник обыкновенный (mozhzhevel’nik obyknovennyy)
Gd: Aiteann, Iubhar-beinne, Staoin
Sr: Клека
Sk: Borievka obyčajná
Es: Enebro, Enebro común, Navadni brin, Enebro real, Ginepro Nano, Xinebro
Su: Juniper beri
Sv: En, (koti)kataja, Fjäll-En, Träd-En
Tt: Артыш
Tr: Adi ardıç, Adi ardiç
Uk: Ялівець звичайний
Wa: Franc pectî
Cy: Merywen, Beryw, Berywydd, Eithin Bêr, Eithin y Cwrw, Eithinen Bêr, Eithinen y Cwrw, Meryw, Merywen Gyffredin

Synonyms

• Juniperus borealis (Salisb.)
• Juniperus communis var. vulgaris (Aiton)
• Juniperus communis f. viminalis (Sylvén)
• Juniperus communis f. alopecuroides (Laest. ex Wittr.)
• Juniperus communis subsp. eucommunis (Syme)
• Juniperus vulgaris (Bubani)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Alabama (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Benitez Mario (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Michel POURCHET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2019 by jid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 16, 2021 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2020 by Tilman Neuhaus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2019 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2017 by abdullah pllana (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Porto Maria Porto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684709)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30088655-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juniperus communis L.)

Specifications

Growth