Greek Juniper
Juniperus excelsa
Cupressaceae, Cypress Family
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.
Isaiah 55:13 NIV
Find Juniper in God's Word for Gardeners Bible featured in the Garden Tour section, Cedars of Lebanon landscape "Lay of the Land," page 357
Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me. Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them
Hosea 14:8-9 NIV
Cultural Information
| Type | Evergreen Tree |
| Height | 30 to 60 feet |
| Soil | moist, sandy, rocky, well-drained |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Leaves | needle-like, scaled, jointed, with a bluish tint to their dark green color; older branches have flattened needles |
| Fruit | tiny, purplish-blue cones on female trees; scales become fleshy and bond together to form appearance of berry |
Planting Tips
- hardy to Zone 5
- J. excelsa known as Greek juniper is a towering, splendid specimen tree; plant in a backdrop to behold in the scenery
- relatively carefree - little pruning required, low water tolerance, few pests
- dense canopy provides good winter shelter for birds
- first grows as tall, columnar shrub; cut away lower branches as desired to form as a tree
- be aware junipers are highly combustible - not recommended in landscapes vulnerable to wildfire
- likewise, branches good for fire-pit kindling
Garden to Table
- juniper boughs have a strong, piney scent, perfect for homegrown Christmas greenery
- wait to trim tree branches until you can use them in wreaths, garlands, mantle decoration, or sprigs on gift-wrapped packages
- use tree trimmings in garden beds as fragrant mulch
- juniper berries (Juniperus communis berries preferred) lend piney flavor to sauces and marinades - let soak or simmer and remove before eating
More Research
See Blog Posts on Greek JuniperPrayer: Lord, may I be humble before you, admiring your forests and lovely landscapes, mindful that they reflect your glory. You are the one who is majestic in beauty (Ezekiel 31:7). Wherever I love your creation and don’t acknowledge you, Creator, please show me; I likely have idols I don’t even realize, but you will make them disappear (Isaiah 2:18). Cleanse me of my arrogance and restore me as your pristine forest.
-from the NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible
Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me. Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them
Hosea 14:8-9 NIV
Photo Credits
ID 52466421 © Ngrig2013 | Dreamstime.com Berries and soft needles of a Juniperus excelsa (taken in Crimea)
©2018 ID 118269645 Sergey Rybin | Dreamstime.com Greek Juniper Juniperus excelsa in the forest in the Crimean mountains, early April
©2011 ID 25015971 Roman Ivaschenko | Dreamstime.com Dried high juniper (Juniperus excelsa) berries
Saffron Crocus