Juniperus formosana (30/12/2013, Kew gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Early Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Cupressaceae
Juniperus formosana is an evergreen tree with a conical, weeping habit and often multi stemmed. Its dark green leaves are needle like up to 20mm long and 2mm broad. Its (usually) dioecious flowers are pollen cones are light brown, up to 3mm long, wind pollinated and are not self fertile. Its orange/ brown fruit are berry like seed cones and are up to 8mm across.
Juniperus formosana, commonly known as Formosan Juniper, is native to south east China and Taiwan. In its native habitat it grows in mixed broad leaf and conifer forest. Some people are allergic to the pollen of this tree.
The etymological root of the binomial name Juniperus is derived from the old Latin name for the Juniper tree. Formosana is derived from the former name of Taiwan, Formosa.
The landscape architect may find Juniperus formosana useful as an an attractive evergreen specimen tree. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Juniperus formosana Leaf (30/12/2013, Kew gardens, London)
Ecologically, Juniperus formosana seed cones are attractive food for birds and mammals. Its structure provides shelter for birds.
Juniperus formosana prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Juniperus formosana requires little maintenance.
