Juniperus communis
Native to North America
STATE DISTRIBUTION (USDA): AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION: AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK
Common Juniper Identification and Relationship with Birds
A small evergreen shrub, Common Juniper usually only grows to about 4 feet but can spread to about 10 feet. Despite its short height Common Juniper grows dense and sharp needles, which offer wild birds great shelter from the weather and protection from predators. The Common Juniper’s major source of bird attraction are its waxy, berry-like cones (note they only grow on a pollinated female), which often provide a much-needed source of food, to a great variety of birds in the middle of winter.