Juniperus squamata

Juniperus squamata (30/12/14, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Early Spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 10m

Eventual Spread: 5m

Hardiness: 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Cupressaceae

Juniperus squamata is a long lived, evergreen large shrub or small  tree with an irregular conical habit. Its blue/ green leaves appear in two forms, juvenile and adult. Its juvenile leaves are sharp, needle like and up to 1cm long. Its adult leaves are scale like and up to 2mm long. Its bark is brown and flaking. Its (usually) monoecious flowers are pollen cones and are light brown, up to 3mm long, wind pollinated and are not self fertile. Its black fruits are a berry like seed cone, are globose and up to 9mm across.

Juniperus squamata, commonly known as Flaky Juniper or Himalayan Juniper, is native to the Himalayas and China. In its native habitat it grows in forests and thickets.

The etymological root of the binomial name Juniperus is derived from the old Latin name for the Juniper tree. Squamata is derived from the Latin squama meaning ‘scale’.

The landscape architect may find Juniperus squamata useful as a evergreen shrub or small tree. There are numerous varieties of this tree with various habits to choose from. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.

Juniperus squamata Leaf (30/12/14, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically,  Juniperus squamata seed cones are attractive food for birds and mammals. Its structure provides shelter for birds.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given a number of varieties of Juniperus squamata their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Juniperus squamata prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It will tolerate most pH of soil. It will tolerate dry soils.

Juniperus squamata requires little maintenance.