Creeping juniper, Blue carpet
Juniperus horizontalis

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

A low lying shrub. The shoots are long and trailing. The leaves are like scales. They are opposite each other and each pair is at right angles to the next. They are triangle shaped and overlap. They are 1-2 mm long. The pollen cone is brown. It is 2 mm long. The fruit are oval and 6 mm long. There are 1-4 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in exposed places and on rocks or sand.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Hawaii, Nepal, North America, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The young leaves and tips are used for tea.

Edible parts

Fruit - coffee, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dhupi, Polegli brin

Synonyms

Juniperus prostrata Pers.; Juniperus racemosa Risso; Juniperus repens Nutt.; and others