Fauna
Plant

Common Juniper

Juniperus communis

Also known as Ground Juniper, Dwarf Juniper, Mountain Juniper

Common junipers thrive as low spreading shrubs or small erect trees across wind-swept moorlands, rocky crags, and open woodlands throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Their needle-like leaves grow in whorls of three, each featuring a single broad white stomatal band on the upper surface. The seed cones resemble fleshy berries, taking up to three years to mature from green to dark purple-blue before providing essential winter food for foraging birds.

EvergreenConiferWidespread
Common Juniper reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Roe Deer
  • Mountain Hare
  • Cattle
ThreatsFungal pathogens, overgrazing, habitat fragmentation
HabitatsHeathlands, moorlands, rocky slopes, open pine woodlands, tundra
Life span100–200 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCupressaceae
  2. SpeciesJuniperus communis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries and cones have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild plants based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for sharp, prickly needles arranged in whorls of three with a single broad white stripe on top.
  • Observation: Check mature purple cones in late autumn to spot foraging winter songbirds.
  • Habitat Care: Avoid stepping on prostrate alpine forms, which grow extremely slowly in cold environments.
Related species
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