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Juniper – This is a plant whose homeland is the entire Northern Hemisphere. Juniper is very fond of sunlight and nutritious light soil. The plant tolerates drought well, but in very hot months it requires 3 single waterings.
Juniper in height can reach 15m. This tree is long-lived and can stand up to 500 years. There are many ways to plant juniper, among them: cuttings, grafting, layering and seeds.
Places of growth of juniper, its description
In Latin, juniper sounds like Juniperus, which means “prickly” in Russian. Juniper can be represented by both a tree and a shrub. The plant can have same-sex and heterosexual flowers. It belongs to the Cypress family, coniferous evergreen shrubs (trees). Common juniper is also called juniper or veres.
The plant is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It grows on the lands of the Arctic and up to the mountain subtropics. East African juniper inhabits African countries. Since ancient times, witchcraft abilities have been assigned to this shrub by the people. In order to protect the house from evil spirits and attract good luck to the family, our ancestors wove juniper wreaths using plant branches for this purpose.
With a significant accumulation of large trees, juniper forests are formed. However, they do not occur very often in nature. You can find similar landings in Central Asia, the Mediterranean, Mexico and North America (south of the country). Tall junipers are not common. They are predominantly the undergrowth of deciduous and coniferous forests. Low junipers inhabit rocks and rocky cliffs next to mixed forests.
No more than 60 varieties of junipers are found all over the world. About 20 of them can be found on the territory of the countries of the former Soviet Union. However, the inhabitants of the Caucasus and Central Asia call this plant juniper, not juniper.
The vast majority of plants tolerate drought well and are very fond of sunlight. Juniper does not impose special requirements on the soil, although it prefers light and nutritious lands. Depending on the type of plant, some of them grow only in the Arctic, and some only in subtropical zones. All types of juniper do not tolerate shading.
Although it is generally accepted that trees live for about 400-500 years, some representatives of these coniferous evergreens cross the age limit of 600 years.
Root, needles and cones of juniper
The leaves of young trees are coniferous, and as they grow older, they become scaly. The kidneys do not have scales, most often they are naked. Although sometimes there are plants on which the buds are pressed against the branches with short leaves. Only one form of juniper, Juniperus drupacea, is covered with scales. The node of the plant is represented by 3 needle-shaped leaves with a longitudinal vein.
As for the needles, then it most often has a greenish-blue tint, is represented by needles with three faces. The ends of the needles are sharp.
Male spikelets look like stamens arranged in pairs and covered with scales. Each stamen has an open anther.
Female spikelets consist of whorls of carpels (one, two or three pairs). Each whorl has 1 or 2 ovules.
Plant cones represented by gray or blue balls. Their scales fit tightly to each other, which does not allow the cones to fully open. In ordinary plants, from 1 to 10 seeds are formed, located separately from each other. Cones are formed in the second year of the juniper’s life. In stone fruit plants, the seeds are fused with each other.
The root of the plant is axial. While planting a juniper, it is very important to maintain its integrity, since damage to the root threatens that the tree will hurt. In addition, its resistance to winds will deteriorate.
How does juniper reproduce?
The following methods of propagation of a shrub (tree) can be distinguished: seeds, grafting, cuttings, layering. The latter method breeds mainly creeping junipers. If it is intended to propagate the plant by seeds or layering, then they must be prepared in advance. This is done in September. For 5 months, the seeds must be stratified. Rare and valuable species of juniper are propagated by grafting.
Medicinal properties of juniper berries
Juniper berries are edible.
Moreover, eating them is very useful, as they have an impressive set of various properties, including:
Improved digestion. Berries contain bitterness, which naturally simulates the work of the digestive tract. They help to get rid of heartburn and indigestion.
Reducing bloating. With flatulence, you can take juice from juniper berries.
The diuretic properties of berries have long been known. They are used in the complex therapy of urinary tract infections, due to which toxins and pathogenic bacteria are removed from the body faster.
Berries have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Juniper berries act as a powerful antioxidant, which means they can be used in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Berries are no less useful for skin, hair and nails. They prevent premature aging of the dermis, prevent the formation of wrinkles.
If you brew juniper tea from berries, you can quickly get rid of diseases of the broncho-pulmonary nature. Such a drink has an expectorant effect, helps to thin viscous sputum.
Since the berries have anti-inflammatory properties, they are used to reduce joint pain in arthritis, gout, rheumatism. For this purpose, it is also useful to drink juniper berry tea.
The berries contain natural inulin, which means that people with diabetes can include them in their menu.
Due to the diuretic effect, berry juice is useful for overweight people.
Contraindications to use
Like any other product, juniper fruits have certain contraindications for use, including:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
The presence of an allergy to conifers;
Kidney diseases, namely, glomerulonephritis and nephritis;
Severe degree of hypertension;
Diseases of the duodenum and stomach (ulcerative colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcer).
In general, recipes with juniper should not be used for exacerbation of any disease. It is good if, before starting treatment, a person consults with a specialist. The therapeutic course with juniper fruits should not exceed 2 months, otherwise serious damage to the kidney parenchyma can be caused.
Recipes
Decoctions and infusions from juniper berries, which have useful qualities, are not at all difficult to prepare even at home. There are many recipes, and all of them are time-tested.
Infusion of juniper for the treatment of the oral cavity. It is necessary to take as many berries as fit in a tablespoon, and pour them with a glass of boiling water. Keep the infusion until completely cooled, strain and use as a solution for rinsing the mouth with stomatitis. You can also use this solution to sanitize the throat with pharyngitis.
Juniper infusion to provide a diuretic effect. You will need the same amount of berries and water as in the previous recipe, but the exposure time should be at least 3 hours. It is necessary to take the resulting drug after meals, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. This is an effective remedy for the treatment of cystitis and pyelonephritis.
Juniper decoction to normalize the menstrual cycle. To prepare a decoction, you need a liter of water and 2 tablespoons of berries. The resulting mixture must be boiled for 5 minutes, then cool and strain it. The decoction should be consumed for 12 hours, taking 2 sip every 1 hours.
Decoction of juniper for the treatment of bronchitis. You will need 1 tablespoon of berries and 200 ml of water. The resulting mixture must be kept for 15 minutes in a water bath. Then the broth should be cooled, strained and brought to the original volume. Use a decoction 3 times a day before meals, 1 tablespoon.
A decoction of juniper for the treatment of joints. It will take 100 g of fruits and branches of the plant, which must be filled with water and boiled for 10 minutes. For such a volume of juniper, you need to take a glass of water. After preparation, the broth must be filtered and bathed with it. This is a good remedy for arthritis and rheumatism.
Decoction of juniper for the treatment of skin diseases. To prepare the decoction, you need to take 200 g of branches, pour water and let them brew for 2 hours, then boil the resulting infusion. The exposure time on low heat is a quarter of an hour. Then the broth should be filtered and bathed with it. It is good to use such a remedy for eczema and dermatosis
Juniper ointment for the treatment of herpes. To prepare the ointment, you will need to take 2 tablespoons of berries and grind them, then pour vodka and put them in a dark place for 14 days. After the specified time, the vodka will need to be drained, and the remaining raw materials used to treat herpes sores, applying it to the lips.
Juniper oil for skin and hair. Both fruits and branches of juniper can be used for cosmetic purposes. To do this, they must be taken in equal proportions and mixed with vegetable oil (1: 3). The resulting composition must be kept for 10 days, and then used as a mask for facial skin and hair care.
Juniper essential oil: properties and uses
Juniper essential oil in its composition contains terpenes, camphene, terpineol, tannins, borneol, macro and microelements, organic acids. The essential oil has phytoncidal properties, that is, it is able to purify the air from pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it has long been used to treat tuberculosis.
Effects that can be obtained through the use of juniper essential oil:
Choleretic effect;
diuretic effect;
diaphoretic effect;
expectorant effect;
disinfecting effect;
regenerating effect;
Calming effect.
Juniper essential oil is used to stimulate digestion, to enhance lymphatic drainage, and also as an antirheumatic agent.
Juniper essential oil is indicated for the following diseases:
Cystitis;
Joint diseases: arthritis, rheumatism, polyarthritis;
Varicose veins;
Gout;
Dermatological diseases: psoriasis, dermatoses, lichen;
Respiratory tract infections, including tuberculosis;
Infections of the genitourinary system;
Impotence;
Diabetes;
Allergy;
Malaria;
Atherosclerosis;
Treatment of long-term non-healing wounds.
Juniper essential oil contains a high concentration of healing components and has a pungent odor. Therefore, it is often used in aromatherapy. The oil is poured into aroma lamps, bathed with it and inhaled. Such procedures effectively calm the nervous system, contribute to the normalization of sleep, relieve stress and tension, and set in a positive mood. Aromatherapy with juniper oil is an excellent procedure for the prevention of colds.
In addition, juniper essential oil is widely used in cosmetology. It has anti-cellulite properties, improves skin tone, fights stretch marks. A few drops of juniper oil added to the night cream increase its disinfecting qualities. Therefore, this tool can be used by people prone to acne and acne.
You can add juniper oil to the day cream, which will improve the complexion, narrow pores, reduce swelling and additionally moisturize the dermis. A few drops of juniper oil will enrich any shampoo or hair conditioner. Regular use of such a product will give them a natural shine, eliminate dryness and itching of the scalp, and prevent baldness.
You can add juniper oil to foot baths. This will allow you to quickly get rid of corns and corns. The skin of the legs will become soft and tender. In addition, it will be possible to obtain a powerful deodorizing effect, which is an excellent prevention of fungal diseases.
Juniper essential oil is used as follows:
5 drops of oil are enough to enrich 10 g of any cosmetic product (mask, cream, shampoo, balm, etc.).
5 drops should be poured into an aroma lamp for aromatherapy.
3 drops are enough for instillation into the aroma pendant.
6 drops are enough for taking a bath with essential oil.
1 drop of oil is dissolved in 100 g of water for oral administration. You can pre-mix the oil with 1 teaspoon of honey.
Although juniper essential oil is a very useful remedy, you should consult your doctor before taking it internally. As for the external use of oil, you must first conduct an allergic test.
Juniper in landscape design
Juniper is able to ennoble any landscape design, and juniper shrubs and trees look great. They are often grouped together, creating a kind of green hedges, although single plantings can often be seen.
Low-growing junipers look great on the slopes and in the general decor of rocky gardens. Thanks to the planting of juniper, soil erosion can be prevented and existing slopes can be strengthened. Juniper is unpretentious in care, easy to shape and cut.
Juniper looks great paired with flowering shrubs, with perennials and with cereal species used for decorative purposes. However, juniper has one drawback – the plant does not tolerate polluted air and smoke, which is why shrubs and trees are practically not found in urban conditions. But the junipers planted in the country will delight their owners with a pleasant, powerful aroma of needles, which intensifies after rain or when direct sunlight hits the branches.
Juniper is used for the design of residential premises. For this purpose, dwarf forms of the plant are used. Juniper feels good “in captivity”, however, it needs regular moisturizing in the form of spraying. Designers skillfully form juniper bonsai, using miniature seedlings in their work. They have the exact shape of an adult tree, which looks very attractive. It is important to keep these dwarf shrubs out of direct sunlight, as they prefer partial shade. If you plan to take out such mini-junipers to fresh air, then you should protect them from strong gusts of wind. In addition, ornamental trees are sensitive to frost, so their tops should be covered if a cold snap is expected. The needles are sensitive to snow, which can cause burns on the leaves, so there should be a canopy above the plantings.
Shrubs should be planted in ceramic containers, which should be quite deep. It is important to remove yellow needles from trees, as well as wash the trunk and leaves, using a watering can for this purpose. Bonsai bark lends itself well to cleaning with a toothbrush. If the tree is large, then you can use a regular clothes brush.
Immediately after planting, a young bonsai begins to grow at an accelerated pace, however, in the future, its growth slows down. Juniper does not like frequent transplants; it is enough to update its place of residence once every 1 years. The best time to do this is in March. After transplanting into a larger container, the size of the bonsai should be expected. If there is no desire to increase the height of the plant, then 5/1 of the roots can be cut off during transplantation. Compost, leafy soil and river sand, taken in equal proportions, are well suited as soil.
So that the juniper does not grow in breadth and height, you need to pinch all the young shoots from above. It is also important to pinch those shoots that are located inside the crown. This should be done in autumn or spring, but in no case in winter.
Almost any style of bonsai can be grown from junipers. A fishing line can be used to form a tree. It is wound in the fall, and after 8 months it is removed. A year later, these manipulations can be repeated. This is done until the tree is fully formed and takes the desired shape.
Diseases and pests of juniper
Like any plant, juniper is affected by pests and diseases. The tree is very susceptible to rust, which manifests itself in the appearance of blisters on the branches. Mucus comes out of these formations, which has a yellowish tint and a gelatinous consistency. To combat rust, you will need to cut off all damaged branches, after which the plant must be treated with an arceride solution. For 10 liters of water, 50 g of the drug will be required. Wood processing should be carried out at least 4 times with rest periods of 10 days.
Juniper responds well to microfertilizers and immunostimulants. It should be remembered that a tree may not get sick with rust, but it can transmit this disease to other plants. Therefore, it should be planted away from berries and fruit bushes.
Another disease of juniper is schütte. In this case, the needles are affected by the fungus, turn yellow and remain on the branches for a long time. In early autumn, black growths are formed on the needles, 0,15 cm in size. These fungal microorganisms infect mainly weak trees and shrubs. To destroy the shute, the plant must be sprayed with fungicides, and also treated with preparations containing sulfur and copper. All dried branches, as well as needles, must be removed.
A common pest of juniper is aphid. If there are a lot of parasites on the plant, then they can irrevocably destroy it. Aphids most often appear in places where many ants live, so the formation of anthills near juniper plantings should be controlled. If the aphid began to multiply, then the bush should be washed with soapy water, repeating this procedure once a week. Do not allow soap to get on the juniper roots. Therefore, it is best to cover them before processing. Against aphids, you can also use the drug “Fitoverma”, which is diluted at the rate of 1 g per 20 liters of water. Those branches that have been affected by aphids must be removed during spring pruning.
Juniper scale insect is another pest of the plant. The larvae of these insects suck the juices from the needles, causing it to fall off. In addition, the scale insect damages the bark of shrubs, which leads to the formation of crooked shoots that dry out very quickly. In order to prevent the appearance of pests, caterpillar glue should be applied to the juniper shoots in March. Straw trapping belts cope well with insects. They are also made from burlap. When there are not very many scale insects, they can simply be brushed off. If the pests have multiplied strongly, then the trees are treated with the Karbof preparation. For 10 liters of water, 70 g of powder will be required.
A pest such as gall midge settles on juniper. These are small mosquitoes, no more than 2 mm in length. They lay bright red or yellow larvae on needles. Parasitizing on trees, the larvae contribute to the death of branches. To destroy pests, the plant must be sprayed with insecticides, and diseased shoots must be cut and burned in a fire.
Spider mite is another juniper pest. Insects weave a thin web on the branches of the plant, which leads to the death of the needles. Ticks are active in the hot months, they are able to lay larvae 4 times in one season. Trees are sprayed with colloidal sulfur to control pests. Also, ticks do not tolerate the smell of garlic and dandelion. Therefore, you can spray juniper with decoctions of these plants. If there are a lot of ticks, then you need to use the drug “Karate”. For 10 liters of water, 50 g of the product will be required.
The pine sawfly is another common juniper pest. It lays green striped larvae on the tree. To remove insects, you can use a decoction of insecticidal plants. You can also dig circles formed near the tree trunk and spray it with Fufanon. For 10 liters you need 15 g of the product. In the same way, they fight with moths that eat the insides of young junipers. The moth is afraid of insecticides based on mineral oil. For example, an effective drug is Decyst. Treat the tree 2 times with an interval of 2 weeks. 10 g of the product is diluted in 2,5 liters of water.
Often in May, you can observe pine moth butterflies on the juniper tree, which lay their larvae on the tree. In summer, caterpillars appear from cocoons, which eat a huge amount of needles. In September, caterpillars form cocoons underground and in fallen needles. In spring, the life cycle of pests resumes. To destroy the pupae, it is necessary to carefully dig up the trunk circles.
Juniper cultivation
Juniper is propagated by seeds or vegetatively. Seeds must be stratified before sowing. And in the fall, having prepared boxes with soil, you can sow the seeds. Next, the boxes must be taken out into the street and left under the snow for the whole winter. In May, we take out the seeds from the boxes from under the snow and sow them in the beds made in advance.
But it is impossible to obtain an ornamental plant from seeds, therefore, for these purposes, the method of grafting is used. To do this, it is necessary in the middle of spring to cut cuttings from an old plant and clean them of needles. When cutting a cutting, be sure to cut it along with a piece of old wood. Next, the cuttings need to be lowered into any growth stimulator for 24 hours. Rooting is carried out in sand with peat (in equal proportions). The cuttings must be covered with a film. Throughout the entire time of growth and development of the cutting, it must be sprayed. After 30–45 days, the cuttings form a root system. The end of June – the beginning of July is the time for planting cuttings in the beds. For the winter, you just need to cover them with spruce branches. Within two to three years, the growing of cuttings will last. And after this time, mature cuttings can be planted in a permanent place.
juniper care
Juniper is a plant undemanding to the soil. He also needs watering infrequently, the only thing is that if the summer is dry, then watering is necessary. Young plants need to loosen the soil and free from weeds. The best time to spray juniper is in the evening. Juniper grows best in moderately moist soil.
After planting, you immediately need to make mulch with peat or wood chips. Plants that love warmth need to be mulched for the winter. In the spring, you need to clean the plant of mulch, because because of it, the root neck can rot.
Juniper grows very slowly, and this must be taken into account when pruning it. Dry branches are pruned. In the first year after planting for the winter, you need to cover the young plants with a film.