Juniperus occidentalis Western juniper (Cupressaceae) Evergreen tree

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Juniperus occidentalis
Western juniper
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Juniperus occidentalis plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to the Sierra Nevada. It is a member of the Cupressaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Western juniper. Some home gardeners know the variety as J. pyriformis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Juniperus occidentalis
Common Name:  Western juniper
Family:  Cupressaceae
Author:  Hook.f.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  18   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Usually found on thin rocky or sandy soils[229] on desert foothills and lower mountains[60], also on windswept peaks[82] up to elevations of 3,000 metres where they become low gnarled shrubs[229].

Medicinal Information: Western juniper was quite widely employed as a medicinal herb by a number of native North American tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, especially those related to the kidneys and the skin[257]. It is rarely, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves are blood tonic and laxative[216]. A decoction is used in the treatment of constipation, coughs and colds[216]. An infusion of the leaves has been taken by pregnant women prior to giving birth in order to relax the muscles[257]. A poultice of the pounded moistened leaves has been applied to the jaw to treat swollen and sore gums and toothaches[257]. The berries are analgesic, blood tonic and diuretic[257]. A decoction is used to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and to induce urination[257]. Externally, the decoction is used as a poultice on rheumatic joints[257]. The young twigs are antiseptic, blood tonic and febrifuge[257]. A decoction is used in the treatment of kidney problems, fevers, stomach aches, smallpox, influenza and haemorrhages[257]. The branches have been used in a sweat bath to ease rheumatism[257]. A poultice of the twigs has been used as a dressing on burns and as a drawing agent on boils or splinters[257]. A decoction has been used as an antiseptic wash on sores[257]. The leaves or young twigs have been burnt and the smoke inhaled to ease the pain of headaches[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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