Juniperus oxycedrus aka Cade Juniper

Juniperus oxycedrus is a conifer that stays green all year. It belongs to the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Its common names include prickly juniper and cade oil plant. It comes from the western and west-central Mediterranean. It grows as a shrub or small tree. In the wild, it grows on dry hills. It also grows on sandy or rocky ground. It suits places with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

In gardens, it grows about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall. Its spread falls within that same range. It takes about ten to twenty years to reach full size. Its crown is oval, with bushy branches that spread out. The sharp, green needles have a scent. They stay on the plant all year. Red bark peels from the stems and adds visual interest. The fruits look like berries. They turn from green to orange-brown as they ripen.

Give this juniper soil that drains well. Grow it in sun or partial shade. It suits hot, sunny spots and can withstand drought. It grows in chalk, clay, loam, or sand. The soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. It grows in both exposed and sheltered sites. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H7. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–10. These two sources use different scales for their ratings.

Its spreading form can cover ground in gardens. The RHS suggests gardens by the coast and gravel gardens. It also suggests courtyards and informal gardens. Flower beds and borders are other uses it lists. The leaves give these spaces cover all year. It needs no routine pruning. To grow new plants, take semi-hardwood cuttings from partly firm stems. Watch for aphids, juniper scale, and caterpillars. Diseases may include phytophthora, canker, and honey fungus. Brown patches may also affect the leaves.

The wood yields cade oil through destructive distillation, which breaks down wood with heat. This dark oil smells smoky. It has uses in cosmetics and incense. Sources also note its use in microscopy, or work with microscopes. They record its use in traditional skin treatments too. These uses do not make the plant safe to eat. Plants For A Future gives it no food value. It calls the berries inedible and reports no known hazards. But the RHS warns that eating the plant can cause harm. Contact can also trigger a skin allergy. Wear gloves and other protective gear when you handle it.