Explore Juniperus oxycedrus (Prickly Juniper) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Juniperus oxycedrus | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Prickly Juniper, Cade Juniper
Family: Cupressaceae
Appearance: An evergreen shrub or small tree with sharp, needle-like leaves and small, berry-like cones.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Shrub or small tree
Root System: Features a deep and extensive root system
Height: Up to 6 meters
Width: Approximately 3 meters
Lifespan: Can live for several decades
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Fertility: Not self-fertile
Flowers: Dioecious (separate male and female plants)
Pollinator: Wind-pollinated
Toxicity: Not known hazards
Juniperus oxycedrus | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Companionship: Often found with other Mediterranean shrubs and trees
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or rocky soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Require cold stratification
Cuttings: Yes, especially semi-hardwood cuttings
Juniperus oxycedrus | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The berries can be used as a flavoring, similar to common juniper berries
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and diuretic properties
Cosmetics: Cade oil extracted from the wood is used in perfumes and skincare products
Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: The wood is used for small crafts and carving
Firewood: Can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak due to its dense growth
Fence: Can be used as a natural barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts various pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects and small animals
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