Practical
Plants

Juniperus horizontalis

Creeping Juniper

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Juniperus genus in the family Cupressaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Self sterile, Wind
Flower type
dioecious
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruits are roasted and used in the preparation of a coffee-like beverage[3]. A tea is made from the young branch tips[3][8].

Product or use
Coffee
Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An infusion of the branches, or fleshy cones, has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds and fevers[8]. The cones or branches can also be used as a steam bath[8]. An infusion of the seeds has been used in the treatment of kidney problems[8].

Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Febrifuge
Product or use
Kidney

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A good ground cover plant for a sunny position[7], eventually making a dense cover though it requires weeding for the first year or so[4]. The bark has been crushed and used as a soft hygienic pad in cradles[8]. It has also been used to make mats[8]. The young twigs and leaves have been burnt as an incense[8].

Product or use
Baby care
Product or use
Incense

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
Northern N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Washington and Maine.
Habitat
Dry rocky soil, sterile pastures and fields[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant
Salinity
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. The seed has a hard seedcoat and can be very slow to germinate, requiring a cold period followed by a warm period and then another cold spell, each of 2 - 3 months duration[9][10]. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process[2]. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some might germinate in the following spring, though most will take another year. Another possibility is to harvest the seed 'green' (when the embryo has fully formed but before the seedcoat has hardened). The seedlings can be potted up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in pots until large enough, then plant out in early summer. When stored dry, the seed can remain viable for several years[1]. Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. Plant out in the following autumn[1][9]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[9].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in a sunny position in most soils so long as they are well drained, preferring a neutral or slightly alkaline soil[2] and succeeding on chalk[5]. Succeeds in dry soils[5]. An aggregate species[6]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[5]. 'Bar Harbour' is very salt-resistant[5]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  4. Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1

    ↩

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Livingstone. B. Flora of Canada National Museums of Canada 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-660-00025-3

    ↩1↩2

  7. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  8. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  9. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm 1987-00-00 ISBN 0-7470-2801-X

    ↩

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