Old Field Juniper Juniperus communis var. depressa
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- jew-NIP-er-us KOM-yoo-nis variety de-PRESS-ah
- Description
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Canadian juniper is a naturally occurring native variety of needled evergreen shrub, groundcover, or small tree in the Cupressaceae (cypress) family. The genus name Juniperus means juniper in Latin and the species communis means common. This 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.
Plant in the full sun in dry well drained soils. It grows to a mature height of 3 to 6 feet with spreading trailing branches up to 12 feet. Gray green needles are awl shaped and stiff giving the shrub a prickly feel. 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
Drought and dry soil tolerance is good after it is established and it is also quite disease and insect tolerant. This plant succeeds in urban conditions being air pollution tolerant. 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. The attractive foliage lends winder interest to the landscape.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Borers, bagworms, mites, midges, and scale are occasional insect problems. Juniper blight can affect any member of this genus.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common juniper diseases and insect pests.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Juniperus
- Species:
- communis
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Edibility:
- Cones are edible but pungent and are used to flavor gin, cooked meats and cabbages. Branches can be soaked in hot water to make tea.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Broad
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b
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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.
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Flowers:
- Flower Description:
- No true flowers, but cones are large and brown and fall apart upon maturity. Female cones are blue fleshy "berry" looking
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Native Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Foundation Planting
- Small Tree
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Erosion
- Pollution
- Urban Conditions
