1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America. One of the UK’s few native conifers.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen – retains its leaves (needles) year-round.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Sharp, needle-like, 5–15 mm long, arranged in whorls of three. Each needle has a distinct white line on the upper surface.
Bark: Reddish-brown, thin, and peeling in narrow strips.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male and female flowers usually on separate plants (dioecious). Male flowers are small, yellowish cones; females produce berry-like cones. These start green, ripen to dark purple over 18 months, and contain 1–3 seeds.
Overall shape: Extremely variable. Can grow as a low, spreading shrub, a dense bush, or a small, narrow tree depending on conditions.
4. Typical Size
Typically 1–5 m tall in the UK, though can reach up to 10 m as a small tree in sheltered conditions. Spread varies widely.
5. Habitat & Range
Native across the UK but now scarce in lowland England. Found on chalk downs, heathlands, upland moors, rocky hillsides, and old pastures. Prefers open, sunny sites on well-drained, often poor soils.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Needles in whorls of three with a white stripe.
Sharp, spiky foliage.
Purple “berries” (actually seed cones) used to flavour gin.
Often scrubby and irregular in form.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Male flowers release pollen; female cones develop.
Summer: Green cones visible; foliage dense and spiky.
Autumn: Needles remain evergreen; cones gradually ripen.
Winter: Dark green foliage and purple cones stand out in bleak landscapes.
8. Human Uses
Berries used to flavour gin, game dishes, and sauces.
Traditionally used as incense and for medicinal purposes (diuretic and antiseptic).
Wood hard and fine-grained, used for carving and walking sticks.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides shelter for birds and small mammals.
Berries are eaten by thrushes, waxwings, and other birds, which disperse the seeds.
Supports specialist insects, including juniper-dependent moths.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
One of Britain’s longest-lived shrubs – some individuals may exceed 1,000 years.
Symbolically linked with protection and purification; in folklore, juniper branches were burned to ward off evil.
Once widespread, but many populations have declined due to overgrazing and poor regeneration.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers dry, well-drained sandy, chalky, or rocky soils; dislikes heavy clays and waterlogging.
Light: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade but grows poorly in deep shade.
Watering: Water young plants until established; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: 1.5–3 m apart depending on desired density.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Protect from grazing by deer and rabbits. Avoid excessive pruning – grows slowly and irregularly.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Not commonly used, but suitable for dry, sunny parks and landscape schemes.
Garden: Excellent for wildlife gardens, rock gardens, or as a feature in large gardens. Compact forms can suit smaller gardens.