Juniper

Juniperus communis

Juniper

The common juniper produces a cone shaped fruit (berry) that is bluish black ripening in the second or third season. It is a member of the Cypress Family. The fruits have been distilled for their oils and used historically to flavor Gin. It is used as a ground cover in landscaping and is easily adaptable to clay and poorly drained soils. Once you get to know this plant you will recognize it (the genus) everywhere as it has a wider distribution than perhaps any other tree or shrub. It is common in North and Central Europe and is found in the mountainous regions bordering the Mediterranean. It is also found in Asia, the Caucasus, Iran Afghanistan, the Western Himalaya, The United States and Canada. It grows as many different cultivars ranging from a low growing to ground cover form to a dense upright form.

What is Juniper Used For?

Its primary function of medicinal use in almost all cultures has been as a diuretic and for the various end results the use of diuretic affords. Native American tribes used the berries as a food especially to suppress the appetite in times of low food supply or famine. Berries of various species have been found in Egyptian tombs. It has really functioned more as a food flavoring in various cuisines especially to flavor wild game and impart a sharp, clean, crisp flavor.