juniper berry farm

Where are juniper berries grown?

The plants grow in Asia, Europe, and North America. Recognizing this species can be difficult because it grows in a wide variety of forms. It may be a low, spreading shrub or a tall tree up to 25 feet (7.5 m.) in height.

Does juniper grow in Australia?

Juniperus communis does grow in Australia, but it is an introduced species. You can see Tish from Headlands Distilling Co. picking common juniper berries in Australia above.

How long does it take to grow juniper berries?

The berries are green when young, and mature to a purple-black colour over about 18 months in most species, including J. communis (shorter, 8–10 months in a few species, and about 24 months in J. drupacea).

Do juniper berries grow in the UK?

Common juniper is native to the UK, Europe and much of the northern hemisphere. It thrives on chalk lowland, moorland, in rocky areas and old native-pine woodland. It is most often found as a low-growing, spreading shrub or small tree.

What are the benefits of juniper berries?

5 Emerging Benefits of Juniper Berries

High in nutrients and powerful plant compounds. ...
Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. ...
May have antidiabetic properties. ...
Could promote heart health. ...
Antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Are juniper berries safe to eat?

Certain varieties of juniper berry contain safe, low amounts of Thujone, while other varieties contain high levels and can make you very sick. The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is the variety most often used to make gin, medicines, and food dishes, as it is considered safe for human consumption.

What climate do juniper berries grow?

Tall varieties, with their thick foliage, are quite wind resistant and are often planted in rows, as "windbreaks." Junipers grow throughout the world in many climates, from arctic regions, northern temperate areas, to the subtropics.

Where do juniper berries grow in Australia?

Very little is grown in Australia because the climate isn't suitable. But John said his varieties – juniper communis pendula (US), juniper communis hibernicus (Ireland) and two Australian cultivars are thriving in Kangaroo Island's cool coastal climate.

How long do juniper shrubs live?

Junipers typically live from 350 to 700 years, with some even passing the millennium mark. Despite their longevity, junipers rarely exceed 30 feet in height or three feet in diameter.

Where do junipers grow best?

Plant juniper shrubs in a location with full sun or light shade. When they get too much shade, the branches spread apart in an effort to let more sunlight in, and the damage to their shape can't be repaired. Junipers grow in any type of soil as long as it is well-drained.

Can you grow juniper from cuttings?

Junipers are generally propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings, or branches that grew in the current season. Cuttings of juniper for propagation taken from July through November should develop roots by the next spring if they get the right care. ... Remove the needles on the bottom 2 inches of the cut branch.

How tall do juniper bushes grow?

Juniper Shrubs

genus name	Juniperus
plant type	Shrub
height	6 to 12 inches 1 to 3 feet 3 to 8 feet 8 to 20 feet 20 feet or more
width	Up to 20 feet, depending on variety
foliage color	Blue/Green Gray/Silver

Why does gin have juniper berries?

The monks used it to distill sharp, fiery, alcoholic tonics, one of which was distilled from wine infused with juniper berries. They were making medicines, hence the juniper.

Can you plant juniper berries?

Juniper berries are round cones and you need to remove the seeds from them before you can plant them. ... Pick them off the juniper by hand or, when collecting cones from taller junipers, shake the tree or shrub vigorously so the cones to fall to the ground.

What do juniper berries look like?

It looks like a small green berry and ends up turning a bluish-black shade in the second year of growth. In the late spring, small flowers bloom on the juniper plant. The juniper berry is more like a small pine cone than a fruit.

What does Juniper mean in the Bible?

The juniper tree is believed to possess the ability to cleanse and make us pure and true to ourselves. ... Juniper was a symbol of the Canaanites' fertility goddess Ashera or Astarte in Syria. In the Bible's Old Testament, a juniper with an angelic presence sheltered the prophet Elijah from Queen Jezebel's pursuit.

Is juniper berry good for skin?

Balance. Juniper Berry Oil helps to regulate hormones and improve skin conditions caused by hormonal imbalances, leaving the skin healthy and more even, as well as less reactive to external aggressors. To further calm your skin, look to other Essential Oils such as Chamomile Oil and Rose Oil.

Is Juniper good for arthritis?

Juniper has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which would help with arthritis pain. In fact, it has been used for joint pain for centuries, far before it was mentioned on the radio!

Are junipers poisonous to dogs?

The University of California - Davis list Juniperus (Junipers) in their Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants list as having a minor toxicity (class 2) for pets and children. This rating means ingestion of these plants may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Do elk eat juniper berries?

Alligator juniper provides shade and shelter for wildlife and livestock. ... In some areas, both deer and elk eat juniper cone-berries during the winter months [119].

How can you tell if a juniper berry is edible?

Look for a plant with berries that appear blue on it in this open sunny area. The berries are a little smaller than regular blueberries and grown at the ends of the branches. You will smell a pine aroma that is very strong as you come closer to the juniper plant. They hang in clusters.