Juniper: Benefits, Uses & Safety

Overview & Introduction

Juniper, primarily referring to the widely distributed species Juniperus communis L., is a highly aromatic evergreen conifer belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae).

A good article on Juniper should not stop at one-line claims. Readers need taxonomy, habitat, safety, cultivation, and evidence in the same place so they can make sound decisions.

The aim is simple: make the article detailed enough for serious readers while keeping the structure clear enough for fast scanning and confident decision-making.

• Juniperus communis is an evergreen conifer with a rich history in traditional medicine.
• Known for its potent diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Berries (galbuli) are the primary medicinal part, rich in essential oils and flavonoids.
• Traditionally used for urinary tract infections, digestive issues, and joint pain.
• Modern research supports its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic potential.
• Contraindicated in pregnancy and severe kidney conditions.
• Used culinarily to flavor foods and beverages like gin.

Botanical Profile & Taxonomy

Juniper should be anchored to the correct taxonomic identity before any discussion of care, use, or safety begins.

Using the accepted scientific name Juniperus communis L. helps readers avoid confusion caused by old synonyms, loose common names, or inconsistent plant labels.

Family and order placement also matter because they explain recurring structural traits, likely relatives, and the kinds of mistakes readers often make when they rely on appearance alone.

Physical Description & Morphology

Microscopic or internal identification notes deepen the picture, especially for processed material: Trichomes are generally absent or very sparse on Juniperus communis. When present, they are usually unicellular or multicellular non-glandular. Anomocytic (irregular-celled) stomata are characteristic, often deeply sunken within epidermal pits or grooves on the adaxial (upper) surface of the. Calcium oxalate crystals, primarily in the form of prisms or druses, can be observed within the parenchymatous cells of the mesophyll.

In overall habit, the plant is described as s | Shrub<br>Tree | with a mature height around Typically 10-40 m and spread of Typically 4-12 m.

In real-world identification, the most helpful approach is to read the plant as a whole. Habit, size, stem texture, leaf arrangement, flower form, and any distinctive surface detail all matter. For Juniper, morphology is not only a descriptive topic; it is the foundation of correct recognition.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

The native or historically recorded center of distribution for Juniper is Northern Hemisphere (circumboreal). That origin is more than background trivia; it explains how the plant responds to heat, moisture, shade, and seasonal change.

The plant is associated with the following countries or range markers: Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Norway, Russia.

Environmental notes in the live record add more context: Juniperus communis is found across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It thrives in temperate to subarctic climates, from sea level up to alpine regions (above 3000m altitude). It prefers well-drained, often rocky or sandy soils. Annual rainfall needs range from 500-1500mm, but it is highly drought tolerant.

In cultivation terms, the main ecological clues are: Full Sun; Weekly (for young plants, less frequent for established ones); Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0; Usually 3-8; Perennial; s | Shrub<br>Tree |.

Physiology data reinforce the habitat story: Respiration rates in Juniperus communis are moderate, varying with temperature and metabolic activity. As an evergreen, it maintains respiratory. Gas exchange in Juniperus communis is regulated by stomatal aperture, responding to environmental cues such as light intensity, CO2 concentration. Like other conifers, its growth and development are regulated by classic plant hormones including auxins (involved in apical dominance and root).

Traditional & Cultural Significance

In folklore, juniper trees were often planted near homes to ward off witches and evil spirits. In ancient times, its smoke was used in purification rites. Native American tribes used juniper for medicinal purposes, as incense in spiritual ceremonies, and for basketry. While not a primary herb in classical Ayurveda or TCM, European herbalism and Unani medicine extensively feature juniper. Unani classifies it as 'Hot.

Ethnobotanical records also show how this plant has been framed across different places: Aromatic resin and terpene-related activity commonly reported in related taxa in Afghanistan; Alabama; Alaska; Albania; Algeria; Altay; Amur; Arizona; Austria; Baltic States; Belarus; Belgium; British Columbia; Bulgaria; Buryatiya; California; Central European Russia; Chita; Colorado; Connecticut; Corse; Cyprus; Czechia-Slovakia; Denmark; East Aegean Is. (https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709; https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709/vernacularNames?limit=100; https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709/synonyms?limit=100; https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709/distributions?limit=200; AI heuristic estimate from taxonomy/common-name patterns; verify manually.).

Local names help show how different communities notice and classify the plant: (koti)kataja, Eithin Bêr, Enebær, Eithinen y Cwrw, Beryw, Echter Wacholder, Ene, Fjäll-En, Eithinen Bêr, Almindelig ene.

Traditional context matters, but it should always be separated from modern certainty. Historical use can guide questions, yet it does not automatically prove present-day clinical effectiveness.

Medicinal Properties & Health Benefits

The main benefit themes associated with the plant include: Diuretic Action — Juniper berries are well-known for their potent diuretic properties, attributed primarily to the volatile oils, particularly terpinen-4-ol. Antiseptic Properties — The essential oil of Juniperus communis exhibits significant antiseptic activity, especially against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Anti-inflammatory Effects — Juniper has been traditionally used to alleviate inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and rheumatic complaints. Its. Antioxidant Activity — Rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, juniper berries possess strong antioxidant capabilities. These compounds. Digestive Aid — Traditionally, juniper has been used to support digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. It can stimulate digestive enzymes. Antimicrobial Agent — Beyond general antiseptic properties, juniper extracts and essential oil demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against. Hypoglycemic Effects — Some studies suggest that juniper berries may help in managing blood sugar levels. Compounds within the berries are believed to enhance. Hypolipidemic Potential — Research indicates that juniper may have lipid-lowering effects, helping to reduce elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The evidence matrix gives a more careful picture of those claims: Diuretic activity. In vivo animal studies, mechanistic studies on kidney function. High (traditional use, some experimental animal studies). Terpinen-4-ol is identified as a key constituent responsible for increasing glomerular filtration rate. Clinical human trials are less extensive but traditional use is widespread. Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) activity. In vitro assays against various pathogens, essential oil efficacy studies. Moderate to High (in vitro studies, some animal models). Essential oil, rich in alpha-pinene and sabinene, demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, supporting its use as an antiseptic. Anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro cell culture studies, animal models of inflammation (e.g., carrageenan-induced edema). Moderate (in vitro, some animal studies). Extracts and essential oil have shown to modulate inflammatory mediators, supporting traditional uses for joint pain and rheumatic conditions. Antioxidant activity. DPPH, FRAP, ABTS assays, analysis of phenolic content. High (in vitro studies, phytochemical analysis). Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, juniper berries effectively scavenge free radicals, protecting against oxidative stress. Hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects. In vivo studies on diabetic animal models, glucose tolerance tests. Moderate (experimental animal models). Juniper extracts have shown to reduce blood glucose levels in animal models, suggesting a potential role in diabetes management, though human data is limited.

The stored evidence confidence for this profile is traditional. That should shape how strongly any benefit statement is interpreted.

For medicinal content, the key discipline is to distinguish traditional use, mechanism-based plausibility, and human clinical support. Those are related ideas, but they are not the same thing.

• Diuretic Action — Juniper berries are well-known for their potent diuretic properties, attributed primarily to the volatile oils, particularly terpinen-4-ol.
• Antiseptic Properties — The essential oil of Juniperus communis exhibits significant antiseptic activity, especially against bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects — Juniper has been traditionally used to alleviate inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and rheumatic complaints. Its.
• Antioxidant Activity — Rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, juniper berries possess strong antioxidant capabilities. These compounds.
• Digestive Aid — Traditionally, juniper has been used to support digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. It can stimulate digestive enzymes.
• Antimicrobial Agent — Beyond general antiseptic properties, juniper extracts and essential oil demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against.
• Hypoglycemic Effects — Some studies suggest that juniper berries may help in managing blood sugar levels. Compounds within the berries are believed to enhance.
• Hypolipidemic Potential — Research indicates that juniper may have lipid-lowering effects, helping to reduce elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Anti-arthritic Support — Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, juniper is a valued herbal remedy for conditions like arthritis and gout. It.
• Detoxification Support — By promoting diuresis and aiding in the elimination of toxins, juniper supports the body’s natural detoxification processes. This can.

Chemical Constituents & Phytochemistry

The broader constituent profile includes Monoterpenes — Key compounds include alpha-pinene (up to 50%), sabinene, myrcene, limonene, and terpinen-4-ol. These. Sesquiterpenes — Compounds such as germacrene D and beta-caryophyllene are present, contributing to the plant's. Diterpenes — While less prevalent, diterpenoids can contribute to the plant's bitter taste and possess various. Flavonoids — Important examples include catechin, rutin, quercetin, and leucoanthocyanidins. These compounds are. Tannins — Both condensed and hydrolyzable tannins are found, imparting astringent properties. They contribute to. Organic Acids — Malic acid, acetic acid, and formic acid are present, contributing to the flavor profile and. Resins — Complex mixtures of terpenoids and fatty acids, resins contribute to the plant's protective mechanisms and. Sugars — Invert sugars like fructose and glucose are found in the berries, contributing to their sweetness and caloric. Lignins — Structural polymers that provide rigidity to plant cell walls, they can also have antioxidant and. Waxes — Found on the surface of the berries (galbuli) and leaves, providing a protective layer and contributing to the.

The detailed phytochemistry file adds these markers: Alpha-pinene, Monoterpene, Berries (essential oil), 20-50%of essential oil; Sabinene, Monoterpene, Berries (essential oil), 5-20%of essential oil; Myrcene, Monoterpene, Berries (essential oil), 1-10%of essential oil; Terpinen-4-ol, Monoterpene alcohol, Berries (essential oil), 0.5-5%of essential oil; Catechin, Flavonoid, Berries, leaves, Variablemg/g extract; Quercetin, Flavonoid, Berries, leaves, Trace to moderatemg/g extract; Tannins (condensed and hydrolyzable), Polyphenols, Berries, bark, 5-15%of dry weight; Resin acids, Diterpenes, Berries, wood, 2-10%of dry weight.

Compound profiles also shift with plant part, age, season, processing, and storage. The chemistry of a fresh leaf, dried root, or concentrated extract should never be treated as automatically identical.

How to Use — Preparations & Dosage

Recorded preparation and use methods include Herbal Tea — Infuse 1-2 teaspoons of crushed dried juniper berries in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink up to three times daily for diuretic or digestive support. Tincture — Prepare a hydroalcoholic extract by macerating crushed juniper berries in alcohol (e.g., 40-60% vodka or grain alcohol) for 2-4 weeks. Take 1-2 ml (20-40 drops). Essential Oil (Topical) — Dilute juniper essential oil to 1-5% in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, almond) for topical application to sore joints, muscles, or skin irritations. Never. Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) — Diffuse 3-5 drops of juniper essential oil for respiratory support, stress relief, or air purification. Can also be inhaled directly from the. Culinary Spice — Use dried juniper berries, whole or crushed, to flavor game meats, stews, sauces, and marinades. They are a key ingredient in gin and some beers. Infused Oil (Topical) — Gently heat crushed juniper berries in a carrier oil (e.g., olive oil) for several hours or infuse for weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain and use as a. Poultice/Compress — Create a warm compress by soaking a cloth in a strong juniper berry infusion and apply to affected areas for pain relief or skin issues. Steam Inhalation — Add a few drops of juniper essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for respiratory congestion relief.

The plant part most closely linked to use is recorded as Resin, needles, bark, or cones reported in related taxa.

Edibility and processing notes matter here as well: Generally not used as a food plant; verify species-specific uses.

Preparation defines the outcome. Tea, decoction, tincture, powder, fresh plant material, cooked food use, and concentrated extract cannot be discussed as if they were interchangeable.

1. Identify the exact species and plant part first.
2. Match the preparation to the intended use.
3. Check safety, interactions, and processing details before routine use or large-scale handling.

Safety Profile, Side Effects & Contraindications

The first safety note is direct: Juniper berries are generally safe in moderate, short-term use. However, prolonged or excessive use of juniper essential oil or large quantities of berries can be toxic, primarily affecting the kidneys. The essential oil (especially).

Specific warnings recorded for this plant include Pregnancy Contraindication — Juniper is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient potential, stimulating uterine. Kidney Disease Warning — Avoid use in individuals with severe kidney disease, inflammation, or renal insufficiency, as it may exacerbate kidney irritation. Breastfeeding Caution — Use with caution or avoid during breastfeeding, as insufficient data exists regarding its safety for infants. Diabetes Medication Interaction — Monitor blood sugar closely if combining juniper with anti-diabetic drugs, as it may enhance their effects and cause. Diuretic Medication Interaction — Concurrent use with pharmaceutical diuretics may lead to excessive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances; consult a healthcare professional. Lithium Interaction — Juniper's diuretic effect may increase lithium levels in the body, potentially leading to toxicity. Avoid concomitant use. Surgical Procedures — Discontinue use at least two weeks before scheduled surgery due to potential effects on blood sugar and blood pressure. Dosage and Duration — Adhere to recommended dosages and avoid prolonged use (typically not more than 4-6 weeks) to prevent potential kidney irritation. Patch Test — Perform a patch test before widespread topical application of juniper essential oil or extracts to check for skin sensitivity or allergic.

Quality-control notes add another warning: Common adulterants include other Juniperus species (e.g., J. sabina, which is toxic), unripe berries, or inert plant material. Adulteration can also occur with spent berries.

No plant should be described as universally safe. Identity, dose, plant part, preparation style, age, pregnancy status, medication use, allergies, and contamination risk all change the answer.

Growing & Cultivation Guide

The cultivation record emphasizes these practical steps: Site Selection — Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil; juniper tolerates poor, rocky, or sandy soils but dislikes waterlogging. Soil Preparation — Amend heavy clay soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage; a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. Propagation — Can be propagated by seeds (which require cold stratification for several months), semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer, or grafting. Planting — Plant young junipers in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball is at the same level as in the nursery pot. Space according to mature size. Watering — Juniper is drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season, then only during prolonged dry spells.

The broader growth environment is described like this: Juniperus communis is found across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It thrives in temperate to subarctic climates, from sea level up to alpine regions (above 3000m altitude). It prefers well-drained, often rocky or sandy soils. Annual rainfall needs range from 500-1500mm, but it is highly drought tolerant.

Planning becomes easier when these traits are kept in view: s | Shrub<br>Tree |; Typically 10-40 m; Typically 4-12 m; Slow to Moderate; Beginner.

In practice, healthy cultivation comes from systems thinking rather than one-off tricks. Site choice, drainage, timing, spacing, pruning, feeding, and observation all reinforce one another.

Light, Water & Soil Requirements

The most useful care snapshot is this: Light: Full Sun; Water: Weekly (for young plants, less frequent for established ones); Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0; Temperature: -40 to 30°C; USDA zone: Usually 3-8.

Outdoors, light, water, and soil must be read together. The same watering schedule can be too much in dense clay and too little in a porous sandy bed.

Light, water, and soil should never be treated as separate checkboxes. A plant in stronger light often dries faster, soil texture changes how quickly water moves, and temperature plus humidity influence how stress appears in leaves and roots.

For Juniper, the safest care approach is to treat Full Sun, Weekly (for young plants, less frequent for established ones), and Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0 as linked decisions rather than isolated tips. If one condition shifts, the other two usually need to be reconsidered as well.

Propagation Methods

Documented propagation routes include Seeds: Collect ripe berries, macerate to remove pulp. Stratify seeds (cold, moist treatment) for 3-4 months at 2-5°C (some species require longer, even double.).

Propagation works best when the parent stock is healthy, correctly identified, and handled in the right season. That sounds obvious, but it is exactly where many failures begin.

• Seeds: Collect ripe berries, macerate to remove pulp. Stratify seeds (cold, moist treatment) for 3-4 months at 2-5°C (some species require longer, even double).

Propagation works best when the reader matches method to biology. Some plants respond readily to cuttings, some to division, some to seed, and others require more patience or more exact seasonal timing.

A successful propagation guide therefore starts with healthy parent material and realistic expectations. Weak stock, rushed handling, and poor aftercare can make even a technically correct method fail.

Pest & Disease Management

The recorded problem list includes Pests: Juniper scale, bagworms, spider mites. Organic solutions: horticultural oil, neem oil, hand-picking (bagworms).

For medicinal species, pest pressure is not only a horticultural issue. It also affects harvest cleanliness, storage stability, and confidence in the final material.

The smartest response sequence is observation first, environmental correction second, and treatment only after the real pattern is clear.

• Pests: Juniper scale, bagworms, spider mites. Organic solutions: horticultural oil, neem oil, hand-picking (bagworms).

Pest and disease management is strongest when it begins before visible damage becomes severe. Routine observation, clean handling, sensible spacing, air movement, and balanced watering reduce many problems before treatment is even needed.

When symptoms do appear on Juniper, the most reliable response is diagnostic rather than reactive. Yellowing, spots, wilt, chewing, and stunting can all have multiple causes, so a rushed treatment can waste time or worsen the problem.

Harvesting, Storage & Processing

The plant part most often associated with harvest or processing is Resin, needles, bark, or cones reported in related taxa.

Storage guidance from the quality-control record reads as follows: Dried berries should be stored in airtight containers, away from light and moisture, in a cool, dark place to preserve volatile compounds. Essential oil should be stored in dark.

For medicinal plants, harvesting cannot be separated from processing. The right plant part, the right timing, and the right drying conditions all shape quality and safety.

Whatever the purpose, the rule is the same: harvest clean material, label it clearly, and store it in a way that preserves identity and condition.

Harvest and storage determine whether a plant's quality is preserved after it leaves the bed, pot, field, or wild source. Clean timing, correct plant part selection, and careful drying or handling all matter more than many readers expect.

Companion Planting & Garden Design

Useful companions or placement partners include Lavender; Rosemary; Thyme; Sage; Yarrow.

In a home herb garden or medicinal bed, Juniper should be placed where harvesting is easy, labeling remains clear, and neighboring plants do not create confusion at collection time.

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sage
• Yarrow

Companion planting and design are not only aesthetic decisions. They affect airflow, root competition, moisture sharing, harvest access, visibility, and the general logic of the planting scheme.

With Juniper, good placement means thinking about mature size, maintenance rhythm, and how neighboring plants change the feel and function of the space. A plant can be healthy on its own and still be poorly placed within the broader composition.

That is why the best design advice combines biology with usability. The planting should look coherent, but it should also make watering, pruning, harvest, and pest observation easier rather than harder.

Scientific Research & Evidence Base

The evidence matrix points to several recurring themes: Diuretic activity. In vivo animal studies, mechanistic studies on kidney function. High (traditional use, some experimental animal studies). Terpinen-4-ol is identified as a key constituent responsible for increasing glomerular filtration rate. Clinical human trials are less extensive but traditional use is widespread. Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) activity. In vitro assays against various pathogens, essential oil efficacy studies. Moderate to High (in vitro studies, some animal models). Essential oil, rich in alpha-pinene and sabinene, demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, supporting its use as an antiseptic. Anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro cell culture studies, animal models of inflammation (e.g., carrageenan-induced edema). Moderate (in vitro, some animal studies). Extracts and essential oil have shown to modulate inflammatory mediators, supporting traditional uses for joint pain and rheumatic conditions. Antioxidant activity. DPPH, FRAP, ABTS assays, analysis of phenolic content. High (in vitro studies, phytochemical analysis). Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, juniper berries effectively scavenge free radicals, protecting against oxidative stress. Hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects. In vivo studies on diabetic animal models, glucose tolerance tests. Moderate (experimental animal models). Juniper extracts have shown to reduce blood glucose levels in animal models, suggesting a potential role in diabetes management, though human data is limited.

Ethnobotanical activity records add historical reference trails: Aromatic resin and terpene-related activity commonly reported in related taxa — Afghanistan; Alabama; Alaska; Albania; Algeria; Altay; Amur; Arizona; Austria; Baltic States; Belarus; Belgium; British Columbia; Bulgaria; Buryatiya; California; Central European Russia; Chita; Colorado; Connecticut; Corse; Cyprus; Czechia-Slovakia; Denmark; East Aegean Is. [https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709; https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709/vernacularNames?limit=100; https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709/synonyms?limit=100; https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2684709/distributions?limit=200; AI heuristic estimate from taxonomy/common-name patterns; verify manually.].

The compiled source count behind the live profile is 8. That does not guarantee certainty, but it does suggest the record has been cross-checked beyond a single note.

Analytical testing notes also strengthen the evidence base: GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) for essential oil composition and purity; HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) for flavonoid quantification; Macroscopic and.

A careful evidence section should say what is known, what is plausible, and what remains uncertain. Readers are better served by clear limits than by exaggerated confidence.

Evidence note: this section blends the live plant record, local ethnobotanical activity data, chemistry records, and the linked Flora Medical Global plant profile for Juniper.

Buying Guide & Expert Tips

Quality markers worth checking include Alpha-pinene, Sabinene, Myrcene (for essential oil); Rutin, Quercetin (for flavonoid content in extracts). These compounds are used for standardization and quality assessment.

Adulteration and substitution risk should not be ignored: Common adulterants include other Juniperus species (e.g., J. sabina, which is toxic), unripe berries, or inert plant material. Adulteration can also occur with spent berries.

When buying Juniper, start with verified botanical identity. The label, scientific name, and the source page should agree before you judge price, size, or claimed benefits.

For living plants, inspect roots, stem firmness, foliage health, and early pest signs. For dried or processed material, look for batch clarity, clean aroma, absence of mold, and any sign that the product has been over-processed to disguise poor quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Juniper best known for?

Juniper, primarily referring to the widely distributed species Juniperus communis L., is a highly aromatic evergreen conifer belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae).

Is Juniper beginner-friendly?

That depends on the growing environment and the intended use. Some plants are easy to grow but not simple to use medicinally, while others are the opposite.

How much light does Juniper need?

Full Sun

How often should Juniper be watered?

Weekly (for young plants, less frequent for established ones)

Can Juniper be propagated at home?

Yes, but the best method depends on whether the species responds best to seed, cuttings, division, offsets, or other propagation routes.

Does Juniper have safety concerns?

Juniper berries are generally safe in moderate, short-term use. However, prolonged or excessive use of juniper essential oil or large quantities of berries can be toxic, primarily affecting the kidneys. The essential oil (especially).

What is the biggest mistake people make with Juniper?

The most common mistake is applying generic advice instead of matching the plant to its real environment, identity, and limits.

Where can I verify more information about Juniper?

Start with the Flora Medical Global plant profile: https://www.floramedicalglobal.com/plant/juniper