description Juniperus horizontalis Overview
Juniperus horizontalis, commonly called creeping juniper, is a low, spreading evergreen conifer native to northern North America. Its long horizontal branches form dense mats of scale-like or awl-shaped foliage, and female plants can produce small, bluish, berry-like seed cones. Numerous cultivars are used as ground cover on banks, rock gardens, and exposed sites because the species tolerates cold, wind, drought, and relatively poor soils once established.
insights Ranking position
Juniperus horizontalis ranks #194 of 535 in the Shrub ranking, behind Plumbago auriculata, ahead of Fatsia japonica.
help Juniperus horizontalis FAQ
What is the common name for Juniperus horizontalis?
Juniperus horizontalis is commonly known as creeping juniper. It is a low, spreading evergreen conifer native to northern North America.
How large does creeping juniper grow?
As its botanical name implies, this plant grows horizontally rather than vertically, rarely reaching more than a foot tall. Its long branches form dense, sprawling mats that can spread up to ten feet wide.
Does creeping juniper produce berries?
Yes, female creeping juniper plants produce small, bluish, berry-like seed cones. It is important to note that these are actually modified conifer cones rather than true botanical berries.
What are the best landscaping uses for Juniperus horizontalis?
Because of its dense, mat-forming growth habit, creeping juniper is heavily used as a low-maintenance ground cover. It is particularly popular for erosion control on slopes and in rock gardens due to its high drought tolerance.
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