Juniperus communis (Common Juniper)

Juniperus communis (Common Juniper) is a shrub or small tree with a wide range of characteristics and a modest spreading habit. The needle-like leaves of the Common Juniper are arranged in three whorls and are green with a single white stripe on the inner surface. The seed cones are berry-like, green in color, and mature to purple-black with a blue waxy covering after 18 months. They are spherical, with three (sometimes six) united scales, each containing a single seed.

 A tea is made by boiling the leaves and stems. A tea made from the berries has a spicy gin-like flavor.