Common juniper in Polissia
Juniperus communis
The common juniper is an evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree with prickly, needle-like leaves in whorls of three. Its berry-like cones are green at first, and in the second year become blue-black with a waxy bloom and a resinous aroma.
Juniper grows in the understorey of light pine forests, on forest edges, sandy glades and clearings. In Polissia it occurs in the pine forests of all regions.
Juniper grows very slowly, and large bushes can be of a venerable age. Its berry-like cones are used as a spice, and its wood for small crafts. In winter thrushes eat the cones.
Do not cut or break juniper for New Year decorations or for smoking food: it grows slowly and takes a long time to recover. When picking the cones, do not break off branches.
When to see: all year; the cones ripen in the autumn of the second year
Where it was seen in Polissia
Observations from the open scientific database GBIF since 1990.
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