Juniper
Juniperus communis
Also called Common juniper
Garden plant · TreesThe gin berries take two to three years to ripen, so any bush carries green and black ones at once. Only female plants bear them. RHS calls it a skin allergen.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to light dappled shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 6 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Across the northern hemisphere
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleHarmful if eaten, and irritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS calls it a skin allergen and says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.