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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Common Juniper--Juniperus communis

This low-growing shrub, common at higher elevations, is common juniper (Juniperus communis), part of the Cypress Family (Cupressaceae). One interesting characteristic is that it has the greatest range of any woody plant in the northern hemisphere temperate area.

The juniper berries have a wide variety of uses, from Native Americans using them to treat diabetes to a flavoring for gin. For much more info about common juniper, click here.