Juniperus excelsa

M. Bieb.

Grecian Juniper

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Description

Juniperus excelsa is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A liquid is obtained from the fruit (used for drinking?).The cones are about 7 - 12mm in diameter and take 2 years to mature.

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany. The smoke from the branches is used in India to treat the delirium of fevers.

Distribution

S. Europe to E. Asia.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Oman, Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russian Federation (Krasnodar), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan TROPICAL ASIA: India (northwest), Pakistan EUROPE: Ukraine (incl. Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania

Cultivation

Succeeds in dry soils. Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained, preferring a neutral or slightly alkaline soil and succeeding on chalk. Plants are tender when young, they require a sheltered position. The crushed foliage emits a warm resinous scent. Plants are usually dioecious though sometimes they are monoecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water.

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. The seed has a hard seedcoat and can be very slow to germinate, requiring a cold period followed by a warm period and then another cold spell, each of 2 - 3 months duration. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some might germinate in the following spring, though most will take another year. Another possibility is to harvest the seed 'green' (when the embryo has fully formed but before the seedcoat has hardened). The seedlings can be potted up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in pots until large enough, then plant out in early summer. When stored dry, the seed can remain viable for several years. Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. Plant out in the following autumn. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months.

Other Uses

Fuel Incense Miscellany Roofing Wood. The bark is used for roofing. Wood - moderately hard, close and even grained, fragrant, good quality. Used for construction, fuel and it is also burnt as an incense. The crushed foliage emits a warm resinous scent.