Common juniper

This shrubby, sprawling coniferous shrub grows 25 cm to 1.5 m tall. The common juniper typically grows as a low, shrub-like plant without a central trunk. This conifer’s many branches often spread close to the ground. Its growth form differs in Europe, where it takes on a more tree-like appearance.

The common juniper has evergreen needles arranged in whorls of three. These needles are slender and sharp to the touch.

Its flowers are cones that resemble catkins, much like those of the willow tree. Male cones are small and oval-shaped, while female cones are round and berry-like.

The fruit is a round blue-black berry-like cone covered with a pale blue waxy coating. Its granular green flesh turns brown with age and contains 1 to 3 brown seeds.