Juniperus communis aka Common Juniper

Juniperus communis, commonly known as the common juniper, is a versatile species of small tree or shrub in the cypress family Cupressaceae. This evergreen conifer has the largest geographical range of any woody plant, found throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere. It can range in size from a dwarf, prostrate groundcover spreading to 2m or more, to a larger tree. The foliage is small, loosely spreading, and has sharply pointed grey-green leaves with silvery-blue undersides. The fruit of the common juniper is edible and is used as a flavoring in various dishes, including sauerkraut, stuffings, and vegetable pates. It is also a key ingredient in gin production. Medicinally, it possesses antiseptic, aromatherapy, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, rubefacient, stomachic, and tonic properties. Additionally, many forms of this species serve as excellent ground cover plants for sunny areas. Notable forms to consider include 'Depressa Aurea', 'Dumosa', 'Effusa', and 'Repanda'. The common juniper blooms in brown and yellow, primarily during early to mid-spring, and has an oval, prostrate, spreading or horizontal, or upright form.