Scientific Name
Juniperus communis
Common Name
Common juniper

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Cupressaceae
Plant Description
Low, evergreen shrub or small tree; leaves small, short needle-like (awn or awl shaped), tightly crowded on the twig, 3 at a whorl; fleshy seed cones bluish and berry-like.
Origin
North temperate America and Europe.
Distribution
USA, NC.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, native on high mountain tops; landscape cultivated ornamental shrub, groundcover, small tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Fleshy cones (resemble berries), leaves.
Symptoms
Large amounts may cause diarrhea.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: "Berries" used to flavor gin and for cooked meats and red cabbage. Juniper tea can be made by placing a dozen young berryless twigs in a quart of cold water; bring to a boil then allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and use as regular tea, in small quantities. SOURCE: Angier, B. 1974. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pa, 255 pp.
Toxic Principle
Volatile oils including thujone.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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