Juniperus drupacea (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Early Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 25m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Cupressaceae
Juniperus drupacea is an evergreen tree with a conical habit. Its dark green leaves are needle like up to 25mm long and 3mm broad. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of 2m. Its bark is brown/ gray and longitudinally fibrous. Its (usually) dioecious flowers are male pollen cones and female seed cones, are wind pollinated and are not self fertile. Its dark purple/ brown fruit are berry like ovoid seed cones, have a waxy coating and are up to 25mm across.
Juniperus drupacea, commonly known as Syrian Juniper, is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is the tallest Juniperus of the genus. In its native habitat it grows on rocky soils in forest or scrub at an altitude between 800m to 1700m.
The etymological root of the binomial name Juniperus is derived from the old Latin name for the Juniper tree. Drupacea is derived from the Latin meaning ‘like a ‘drupe’.
The landscape architect may find Juniperus drupacea useful as an an attractive evergreen specimen tree. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Juniperus drupacea Leaf (30/12/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Juniperus drupacea seed cones are attractive food for birds and mammals. Its structure provides shelter for birds.
Juniperus drupacea prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Juniperus drupacea requires little maintenance.
