Juniperus horizontalis
| Juniperus horizontalis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 4 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 10' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Juniperus horizontalis (common name: creeping juniper)
Propagation: 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[1][2]. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process[3]. 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[4].
Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. Plant out in the following autumn[4][1].
Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in a sunny position in most soils so long as they are well drained, preferring a neutral or slightly alkaline soil[3] 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.
Range: Northern N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Washington and Maine.
Habitat: Dry rocky soil, sterile pastures and fields[6].
Edibility: The fruits are roasted and used in the preparation of a coffee-like beverage[7].
A tea is made from the young branch tips[7][8].
Medicinal: 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].
Usage: A good ground cover plant for a sunny position[9], eventually making a dense cover though it requires weeding for the first year or so[10].
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].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Mid Fall
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Rushforth, Keith. Conifers. Batsford, 1991.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Livingstone, B. Flora of Canada. National Museums of Canada, 1978.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ Napier, Elspeth. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells, 1989.