Junipers (
Juniperus) are a species of
conifer found in many areas of the world. Some are found as
landscape plants, and others are growing in their natural
habitats, which include cold, dry areas such as
desert mountains. Junipers are unique among conifers in that they have small '
berries' instead of
cone-type structures. These are usually blue or purple and may be used to make
tea, or as a component of
gin .
Junipers are commonly used as landscape plants because they are hardy and somewhat scenic. They are good for places where nothing else grows.. but can be overdone in other areas. They also may be a breeding ground for rats and other pests.