Common Juniper and Other Common Junipers

Here in the southwest, when many of us think of juniper, we think of a tree. Maybe a shrubby sort of tree branching from the base with shaggy strips of bark like one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) or Utah juniper (J. osteosperma). Or maybe we picture the reptilian-inspired bark of the alligator juniper (J. deppeana). Then there’s the droopy-branched Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum) found in canyon bottoms in our area. But we might not think of what is actually the most globally-widespread juniper, common juniper (Juniperus communis). Common juniper is often used in landscaping and can also be found in mountain habitats at elevations up to over 11,000 feet.

It is perhaps most famous for its use in flavoring gin (cheers!), but along with its relatives listed above, it offers many other benefits. The leaves and berries can be used medicinally to treat urinary tract infections, though they should be avoided if a person has any kidney issues or during pregnancy. Juniper is also used by many cultures as an aromatic herb to ward off negative forces. The berries which have a sharply bitter taste are also used to flavor game meat.

Posted on May 18, 2020 02:59 PM by azscurfpea