Chinese Juniper Juniperus chinensis

Juniperus chinensis, known as Chinese Juniper, is an evergreen conifer native to eastern Asia including China, Mongolia, Japan, and the Himalayas.  This a bushy conical tree that can grow to heights of 50-60 feet spreading 15-20 feet.  However, its multiple varieties may have many forms and heights from low ground covers through shrubs, both small and large, to short or tall trees.  Therefore, it may be employed as a specimen plant to fill assorted landscape niches.  Most prefer sunny locations but will accept partial shade. This slow growing plant adapts to most soils from acidic to alkaline (pH5.0 to 8.0) if kept moderately moist but well-drained.  Established plants can tolerate slight drought and rocky soil. Chinese Juniper also transplants easily. Propagation requires both male and female trees (dioecious); male pollen cones are catkin-like while female plants have light blue seed cones that take the form of a fleshy berry.  These take two years to mature and become violet-brown to black. The immature berries are often used in cooking for seasoning.  The dark green, aromatic foliage is characterized as juvenile, paired or in threes, 8mm long pointed needles called awl, and adult, flat, scale-like in 2 opposite pairs.  The bark is light brown with ridges peeling in thin strips. 

This plant is seldom damaged by deer, tolerant of air pollution and is moderately salt tolerant.  It is fungus susceptible as the first half of the cycle of Cedar-Apple Rust with round orange galls forming on infected branches and needles in spring reaching as much as 2 inches.  The galls can form a brown gelatinous tendril or horn which harbor the spores that in turn infect nearby apple trees completing the cycle. 

 See also the many varieties of junipers for a wide choice of shapes and colors. Native alternatives include Juniperus virginiana and Juniperus communis 'Compressa'.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: See potential insect problems of conifers fact sheet to the left

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.