JUNIPER – Juniperus communis: [ 21 & 67 ]
This evergreen conifer can grow up to 10m. Grey-brown bark peels with age and has ridged, red twigs. The pointed needles have a silver band on the inner side. Small, yellow, male flowers grow on separate trees to the female. Wind pollinates the green female flowers which develop into purple, juniper berries. The berries are eaten by birds and dispersed. Providing dense cover for birds like the goldcrest and firecrest. It is a food plant for moth caterpillars and the berries are eaten by birds like thrushes and fieldfares. The berries are famous for flavouring gin and juniper essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
This evergreen conifer can grow up to 10m. Grey-brown bark peels with age and has ridged, red twigs. The pointed needles have a silver band on the inner side. Small, yellow, male flowers grow on separate trees to the female. Wind pollinates the green female flowers which develop into purple, juniper berries. The berries are eaten by birds and dispersed. Providing dense cover for birds like the goldcrest and firecrest. It is a food plant for moth caterpillars and the berries are eaten by birds like thrushes and fieldfares. The berries are famous for flavouring gin and juniper essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
