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Juniperus virginiana Juniperus virginiana
Smilax smallii Smilax smalli
Yucca aloifolia Flowers

Juniperus communis 'Depressa'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
jew-NIP-er-us KOM-yoo-nis
Description

'Depressa' is a native, low-growing juniper that is very tolerant of adverse conditions with the exception of heat and humidity, and is hardy through several USDA Zones from 2-6. Drought tolerance is good after it is established; also disease and insect tolerant. It grows throughout the Arctic Circle, Canada and North America as well as the United Kingdom in well-drained sunny areas and even in dry, rocky, and sandy soils.  It is extremely tolerant of cold temperatures, but due to heat and humidity intolerance, these junipers are not widely successful below Zone 6.

It has a broad, low, vase-shaped form and ascending branchlet tips which is attractive as a specimen plant in the landscape or as foundation plants. Though the small cones of female plants of this dioecious species resemble berries, they are not true fruits.  However, they have a pungent flavor and are used in cooking and folklore medications.

More information on Juniperus communis.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#winter interest#air pollution tolerant#deer resistant#naturalizes#naturalized area#food source winter#food source fall#food source spring#food source herbage#rocky soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#food source soft mast fruit#FACU Piedmont Mountains#FACU Coastal#audubon#erosion tolerant#shallow soil tolerant
 
Juniperus comunis var. depressa
Form Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service CC BY 3.0
Juniperus comunis var. depressa
Foliage Stan Stebs CC BY-SA 3.0
Juniperus comunis var. depressa
Berries Stan Stebs CC BY-SA 3.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#drought tolerant#winter interest#air pollution tolerant#deer resistant#naturalizes#naturalized area#food source winter#food source fall#food source spring#food source herbage#rocky soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#food source soft mast fruit#FACU Piedmont Mountains#FACU Coastal#audubon#erosion tolerant#shallow soil tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Juniperus
    Species:
    communis
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    North America and Greenland
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2b, 2a, 3b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Winter
    Fruit Description:
    No true fruits, but female cones are blue fleshy "berry" looking and edible, often used as a seasoning
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No true flowers, but cones are large and brown and fall apart upon maturity. Female cones are blue fleshy "berry" looking
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Awl-like gray-green to blue-green needles with sharp points. Glaucous band on the upper surface with a green margin. Brown winter color.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds