Juniper reaches 6 to 20 feet, depending on locale. Its close, tangled, spreading branches are covered with reddish brown bark, sticky gum, and pointed ½ -inch needles. Males produce yellow flowers and females have green flowers. The females also produce scaly, green, aromatic ¼-inch cones (berries) that turn blue-black during their 2-year maturation. Parts used – berries (miniature female cones).

The genus Juniperus contains more than 70 species of aromatic evergreens. Most are small trees, but some grow to 40 feet.

Aromatic Juniper berries are the flavoring agent in gin that was invented in the 17th century by a Dutch professor of medicine, who was interested in creating a diuretic tincture. The word “gin” comes from the Dutch word for Juniper “geniver”.

During the Middle Ages, Europeans believed that having a Juniper beside the front door kept witches out. Unfortunately, it did not offer complete protection. A witch could still cross the threshold if she correctly guessed the number of needles on the tree.

Juniper’s protective status evolved into the belief that its smoke could stop leprosy and bubonic plague. As recently as during World War II, nurses in France burned Juniper in hospitals for disinfection.