Juniperus oxycedrus macrocarpa - prickly juniper (Square vase 9x9x20 cm)

Genus of about 50-60 species of evergreen conifers, shrubs and tall trees, widespread in dry forests and on hill slopes of all regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Juniperus oxycedrus macrocarpa is a small evergreen tree up to 5 meters tall, with variable growth habit, from prostrate to arboreal, reddish-grey or reddish-brown bark in young branches. Trunk erect and branched from below; branches inserted irregularly on the stem, with internodes of 3-10 mm, partially open bright green pyramidal foliage, the root system is very developed. The leaves are glaucous green in colour, needle-like, leathery and pungent, waxy, with two whitish stripes on the upper surface, without a petiole, verticillate in 3. Rudimentary unisexual flowers with ovules inserted on macrosporophylls, without ovary or stigmas called "cones" or “strobili”; dioecious species, therefore the cones of the two sexes are borne on separate plants, male cones yellow-reddish, female cones greenish. The fruit consists of a pseudo-berry resulting from the swelling of the fertile bracts of the cone, which can take more than 2 years to reach maturity.

Pedoclimatic needs

Junipers tolerate a wide range of soils and environmental conditions and are suitable for warm, sunny locations. This species colonizes the coastal dunes and is a precious species for protecting the coasts as its long roots retain the sand from erosion. Very resistant to drought, heat, wind and salt, it is particularly suitable for coastal gardens. It also tolerates the cold well, withstanding short frosts down to -6°/-8°C for short periods. It also fits beautifully in topiary form.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Juniperus oxycedrus macrocarpa

Family: Cupressaceae