Juniper

Juniper (Juniperus communis) is an evergreen tree that is native to the cool temperate portion of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae); and it is hardy in, approximately, USDA zones 3-7. It is dioecious, with male and female cones on separate plants.

The cones of female trees are known as juniper berries. Dried juniper berries are purple-black in color; and they are used commercially to flavor gins, liqueurs, beer, and bitters. They are used in the kitchen to season sauerkraut, game, beans, pickles, sauces, and marinades.

It was once widely believed that a juniper tree planted at a door protected a home against witches. Lore and Legend of the Culinary Herbs and Spices, Second Edition, 2014, published by The St. Louis Herb Society, page 52, relates the tale that witches were obsessed with the exact number of needles on a juniper tree. “They counted and counted but always lost track and had to start over. Finally giving up, they would leave the home or garden where the juniper grew and it would be free of their spell.”

“A juniper planted in a garden countered the effect of a tree, such as the alder or larch, liked by witches.”

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