Juniper belongs to the genus Juniperus, which with around 70 species occurs mainly in the northern hemisphere. The adaptable shrubs colonize habitats between the subarctic climate zone and the semi-deserts. Because of their growth form and the pretty fruits, they are popular ornamental shrubs.
Juniper is slightly poisonous
growth
Juniperus species grow as shrubs or trees. Some species such as Juniperus horizontalis develop prostrate shoots and are well suited as ground cover. Other trees like Juniperus communis grow rigidly upright and develop a columnar habit. All junipers are evergreen and have scaly or needle-shaped leaves.
flowers and fruits
Juniper belongs to the group of plants known as the nudibranch. The trees develop male and female cones on different plants whose flower organs are exposed. Pollination is done by the wind. The female cones are berry-shaped and do not change their shape until the fruit ripens. You can tell by the color when the fruit is ripe. It usually takes two years until then.
In the final stage, the cone fruits are black-blue in color and have a bluish frosting. They are eaten by birds, which help disperse the seeds. The fruits taste very bitter and are poisonous in most species. Juniperus communis develops fruits with small amounts of toxic essential oils.
Use in the kitchen:
- for the production of spirits
- as a seasoning for hearty dishes
- for tea infusions
Planting tips
In the garden, juniper prefers a sunny spot and dry conditions. Juniper is suitable for single position or group planting. The shrubs form privacy hedges or cover unsightly corners of the garden with their creeping shoots.
The care of the trees turns out to be easy. In addition to regular pruning measures, you do not have to pay any attention to the shrubs. The plants become more and more beautiful over the years. To harvest Juniperus communis berries, male and female plants must be in close proximity. Otherwise the cones cannot be fertilized.
Diseases
Juniper is a robust wood that is hardly affected by diseases and pests. A common disease is pear rust, which is caused by a fungus. Shoots can die if the location is not suitable or incorrect care measures have been carried out. Brown shoots can also be caused by a fungus.