Juniper

Pollen Type: Tree

Cross-Reactivity: Junipers, Cedars

HS Allergy Extract: Mountain Cedar

Family: Cupressaceae

Genus/Species: Juniperus communis L.

Common Names: Common Juniper

Distribution: Found widely throughout the United States.

Locations: Found in mountainous regions. Also found in both urban and suburban areas.

Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated; sometimes bird-pollinated.

Pollinating Period: Spring

Description: Juniper is a species of shrub or small tree that has the largest geographical range of any woody plant. Its size is extremely varied. It can grow low to the ground like a spreading shrub, or as tall as 52’. Juniper leaves are needle-like and grow in circles of three. Interestingly, the leaves never become adult foliage. Junipers are dioecious, meaning the male and female cones, which are wind-pollinated, grow on separate plants. Male cones are yellow and fall off after shedding their pollen in early spring. Its berries start as green cones and ripen to purple-black spheres that have a blue, waxy coating. Juniper berries are eaten by birds and their seeds are dispersed in their droppings. Juniper produces large quantities of pollen.

Photo Gallery: