Botanical atlas

Chinese Juniper

Juniperus chinensis

Chinese juniper has been treasured for centuries in the classical gardens of China and Japan, where its ability to hold deep green color through the harshest winters made it a living emblem of endurance and long life. Generations of bonsai artists have trained its twisting trunk and scale-like foliage into miniature landscapes, and it remains one of the most beloved species for the art form anywhere in the world. In parts of Asia its resinous wood and foliage were burned as incense in temple and household ceremonies, valued for a clean, woodsy scent thought to purify a space. Unlike its cousin the common juniper, whose blue berries flavor gin and hearty stews, Chinese juniper has never held a place as a culinary or medicinal herb in traditional practice, its gifts were always those of the garden rather than the kitchen or the medicine chest.

Safety.

Chinese juniper is an ornamental species, not the culinary juniper berry used in cooking; its foliage, sap, and berry-like cones contain irritant oils that can redden skin or irritate the mouth and stomach if chewed or swallowed. Keep pets and children from mouthing clippings or fallen berries, and do not ingest this plant.