January

This page has been created for people who want to learn more about plants, especially in the context of their taxonomy (Latin names, etc.). This is by no means an exhaustive list of all available Web resources for a particular genus.

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for links to my other botanical web pages.

This month's genus:

Juniperus

Myrica sp. Photos taken by J. Forman.
May not be used without permission.
Superorder: Pinidae
Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Number of Species: over a dozen
Root: Latin, unsure of meaning.

Species in the genus Juniperus are usually shrubs or small trees bearing small, fleshy, aromatic cones commonly referred to as "berries". Often used in landscaping and gardening, some species are harvested for their wood, which has been used to create everything from pencils to fenceposts to intricately carved furniture. New, "juvenile" foliage is often distinctly different in appearance from adult foliage.

Here are a few links to images and descriptions of different Juniperus species:

Click here for a nice site about J. thurifera (Thuriferous Juniper), a species native to the Mediterranean. Includes information on distribution, ecology and economic uses, plus lots of great photos.
The USDA Forest Service web site has extremely detailed information about the life history and habitat of J. virginiana (Eastern Redcedar).
Many species of Juniperus have been used in herbal remedies. For more information, visit the Alternative Medicine Foundation's web page for the genus.

References:

Little, Elbert L. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. Eastern Region. New York, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1980

cute little leaf Current Genus of the Week
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