Juniperus oxycedrus
brown-berried juniper
A species of prickly, evergreen conifer shrub to small tree, mainly found in mediterranean climates, with an oval habit, green, fragrant needle-like foliage, peeling, red bark and green to orange-brown berries. The oil is sometimes used as an essential oil in insense sticks or cosmetics
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Green Orange Brown | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W. & WC. Medit.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil. Useful in hot sunny sites. Good ground cover
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to phytophthora, canker and honey fungus. See also Conifers: brown patches
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.