Common Name: Chinese Juniper

General Information

Juniperus chinensis is a very variable evergreen shrub or a tree with a crown that is pyramidal to open, broad and irregular; with branches spreading; it can grow up to 25 metres tall with a trunk 60cm in diameter. High montane varieties of the plant have attained a decumbent habit[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover[].
This species is too widespread to be considered threatened. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar

Habitat

Usually in secondary vegetation, open, rocky slopes, occasionally forming pure groves, or combined with pines and deciduous angiosperms; at elevations from 100 - 2,700 metres. High montane varieties occur on rocky outcrops and amongst boulders[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Juniperus chinensis is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -30°c when dormant[].
Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained, preferring a neutral or slightly alkaline soil[, , ]. Succeeds in chalky soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant, succeeding in hot dry positions[].
A slow growing and rather short-lived tree[]. The plants produce new growth from mid spring to late summer and can make 50cm a year increases in height when young[].
A very ornamental plant[], there are many named varieties[]. It is widely cultivated and has probably become naturalized in some areas[].
Juniperus chinensis is (with Platycladus orientalis) one of the two most commonly planted cupressaceous trees in traditional Chinese gardens, such as around temples and in the extensive grounds of the Forbidden City in Beijing. These grounds are now virtual reserves for large specimen trees, which have all but disappeared from the countryside[].
This species is also of major importance in bonsai and penjing culture[].
The crushed foliage has a rather sour resinous scent[].
Trees are usually dioecious but occasional monoecious trees occur[]. Male and female flowers are required if fruit and seed is to be produced.

Edible Uses

The roundish or rather top-shaped seed cones are whitish with a bloom when ripe; around 6mm in diameter, they usually contain 2 - 3 seeds[]. No information on any edible uses has been seen.

Medicinal

The stems are used in the treatment of parasitic skin problems and rheumatism[].

The fruit is used in the treatment of convulsions, excessive sweating and hepatitis[].

The root is used in the treatment of burns and scalds[].

The resin, mixed with the resin of Pinus species, is used as a resolvent on tumours[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A number of cultivars are suitable for use as a ground cover, though they are rather slow-growing[]. They should be spaced about 90cm apart each way[]. 'Parsonsii' can grow up to 2 metres across, with its branches horizontal to and about 5cm above the ground but never touching the ground[].

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations for skin conditioning[].
An extract of the xylem is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations for skin conditioning[].

The wood is close grained, durable and aromatic[].
The wood is highly valued for furniture making and joinery and is hard and durable[].

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. The seed has a hard seedcoat and can be very slow to germinate, requiring a cold period followed by a warm period and then another cold spell, each of 2 - 3 months duration[, ]. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process[]. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some might germinate in the following spring, though most will take another year. Another possibility is to harvest the seed 'green' (when the embryo has fully formed but before the seedcoat has hardened). The seedlings can be potted up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in pots until large enough, then plant out in early summer. When stored dry, the seed can remain viable for several years[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/early autumn in a cold frame. Plant out in the following autumn[, ].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[].