Juniperus cedrus (Canary Island Juniper)

Botanical Information

FamilyCupressaceae
GenusJuniperus
Speciescedrus
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
References
OriginThe Canary Island Juniper is native to the Western Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira (Portugal). The species became endangered due to over harvesting and goat grazing.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Wood from the tree has been used for furniture, paneling, posts, poles and fuel. The cones have been used for medicine, varnish and for the flavouring in Gin.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8 - 9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-7 - 1
Temperature (°F)20 - 30
Height5 - 20 m
Spread5 - 7 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIts branches are long, thin, weeping, green and grey in colour. The foliage of the tree falls over the trunk and side branches producing an irregular form.
ShapeGrows upright and as it matures will grow into an oval shape. It grows 15- 30 cm a year. At 10 years, its average growth is 2- 5 m.
LandscapeScreens and windbreaks or as an ornamental.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire and England. One notable specimen is located at the Teide National Park in Spain. Oldest surviving wild trees are on the cliffs of La Caldera de Taburiente National Park on La Palma Island.
HabitatCanary Islands-, up to elevation of 2300 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark and branches are thin and shredding. Bark is an orangish-brown colour. Branches are curved up.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are 1-2 cm and green to a dull greyish-green or blue colour.
Fruit DescriptionThe seed cones are berry-like that ripen in 18 months to an orangish-red with a pink waxy coating. Male cones are yellow and 2-3 mm long. They fall off after pollination in February or March.
Colour DescriptionSoft fine texture, does not change over time.

Photographs