common juniper Cupressaceae Juniperus communis

Leaf:Persistent, linear-lanceolate (sword-like), about 1/3 to 1/2 inch long, and ternate (arranged in whorls of 3); white stomatal bloom above and green below; sessile (no petiole).
Flower:Species is mostly dioecious, rarely monoecious; male cones small, yellow and solitary; female cones small, round and solitary.
Fruit:Cones are small (about 1/4 inch diameter) and round with smooth, leathery scales; green when young and bluish black when mature, but always covered with white bloom, require 3 growing seasons to mature.
Twig:Slender, smooth, and often shiny; triangular between the nodes.
Bark:Mature bark is thin (less than 1/4 inch thick), shreddy, and red- to gray-brown.
Form:Most commonly grow as prostrate, mat-forming shrubs, but sometimes as upright shrubs or small trees.

leaf flower fruit twig bark form map

Notes: