COMMON JUNIPER

COMMON JUNIPER

(Juniperus communis)

Common juniper is found primarily as a shrub in pastures and waste open places such as on shallow, rocky soil. It occurs infrequently and locally in south and central Maine, and is found occasionally as a tree. Specimens up to 25 feet in height have been recordcd but are extremely rare.

The bark is grayish brown in color and occurs in thin, longitudinal, shreddy layers. The inner portion has a reddish tinge.

The leaves occur in whorls of 3. They are sharp, stiff, dagger-like, and persist for several seasons. They are from 1/4 to 3/4 inch in length. The upper surface is concave and marked with a broad, white line. The underside, which, due to the bending of the twigs usually appears uppermost, is dark green. The leaves persist. for several seasons.

The fruit is dark blue, covered with a thin bloom, is slightly smaller than a pea, has a strong resinous taste, and remains on, the trees during the winter. It is usually only found on some of the trees, since male and female flowers are generally produced on separate trees, as with other junipers.

The wood is hard, close-grained, and very durable. The heartwood is light brown.

Oldfield, Common or Ground Juniper (Juniperus communis var. depressa) is the prostrate form common in pastures land poor sandy, gravelly, rocky soils.