Mexican juniper (Juniperus flaccida, Linnaea 12: 495 (1838))

Family: Cupressaceae

Author: Schltdl.

Bibliography: Linnaea 12: 495 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juniperus

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Texas to Mexico

Description

The Mexican juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus flaccida, is a distinguished member of the Cupressaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Schltdl. in 1838 in the publication Linnaea, the Mexican juniper is notable for its unique presence spanning Southwestern Texas and extending into various regions of Mexico.

Characterized by its versatile growth habit, Juniperus flaccida typically exhibits a somewhat drooping, flaccid foliage that sets it apart from other juniper species. This distinctive feature not only gives it an elegant appearance but also contributes to its ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions ranging from arid deserts to semiarid mountain slopes. The plant’s adaptability is a testament to nature’s ingenuity, making it a resilient player in its native habitats.

The Mexican juniper’s wood is aromatic and highly valued, often used in various traditional practices and for crafting purposes. Additionally, its berries, while not widely known for culinary uses, provide food for local wildlife, thereby playing a vital role in the ecosystem.

Botanically significant and ecologically vital, the Mexican juniper stands as a symbol of natural beauty and resilience in the regions from Southwestern Texas to Mexico. The study and conservation of this species continue to be of paramount importance, preserving its legacy for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Common Names

Eng: drooping juniper, mexican drooping juniper, mexican juniper, weeping juniper
Hun: könnyezo boróka
Deu: mexicanischer wacholder
Spa: cedro liso, enebro, enebro liso, tláscal, táscate, tascate
Fra: genévrier flasque
En: Mexican juniper, Drooping juniper, Weeping juniper, Mexican Drooping Juniper
Fr: Genévrier flasque
De: Mexicanischer Wacholder
Hu: Könnyezo boróka
Fa: ارس مجنون
Es: Cedro liso, Tláscal, Enebro, Enebro triste, Tascate, Enebro liso, Táscate

Synonyms

• Sabina flaccida ((Schltdl.) Antoine)
• Juniperus flaccida var. typica (Martínez)
• Juniperus foetida var. flaccida ((Schltdl.) Spach)

Distribution

• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 12, 2015 by EOL − ovilla82 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 15, 2009 by EOL − CARLOS VELAZCO (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2006 by EOL − CARLOS VELAZCO (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2010 by EOL − homeredwardprice (cc-by)

Bark

Taken May 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by Jordan DeGuia-Urgo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by cid susana (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 6, 2020 by Giuseppe Illiano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Gardens Gaia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by cid susana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by cid susana (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2015 by EOL − Jordan Golubov (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2009 by EOL − CARLOS VELAZCO (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684549)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:132485-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juniperus flaccida Schltdl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth