The Harsh Mountain Pioneer

Juniperus communis L.
Scientific name:
Juniperus communis L.
Common name:
Common Juniper
Family:
Cupressaceae
Biological form:
Nano-Fanerofita/Fanerofita arborea

Characteristics

Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree, highly variable. Leaves needle-like in whorls of three. Fruits: Blue-black fleshy cones (berries). Flowering: January–July.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Circumboreal. Distribution in Italy: Almost everywhere except Puglia. Habitat: From sea level to alpine zones, up to 3500 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Juniperus): From Celtic for “sharp”. Specific name (communis): Means common.

Uses and properties

Medicinal and culinary plant; used in gin production.

Curiosities

Used historically in rituals and plague fumigations.