Shrub · Cupressaceae family · with preparation per the EMAornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
common juniper
Juniperus communis
In short a 10-second read
Common juniper (shrub) grows to 1–5 m tall and 1–3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −46 °C.
× spread 1–3 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −46 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, gravelly, loamy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove overlong shoots (April–August).
Planting
container plant: March, October–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −46 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −46 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does common juniper tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does common juniper need?
At maturity 1–3 m wide and 1–5 m tall; recommended spacing 100 cm.
Does common juniper survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −46 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (16)
- GBIF — Juniperus communis
- Dučplant (SK) — Okrasné stromy do predzáhradky a malej záhrady
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- NC State Extension (var. depressa)
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- RHS - Juniperus communis
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- EMA/HMPC - Juniperi galbulus (pseudo-fructus) (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - monografia Juniperi galbulus (pseudo-fructus) (EMA/HMPC/241320/2021)
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow conifers
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · common juniper
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: berry (cone)
For: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2–2.5 g of dried berries (cones) in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1–3× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 2.5–6 g a day EMA 4.2
- Fluids
- Drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2–2.5 g of dried berries (cones) in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 1–3× a day.
EMA 4.2 - 5
Drink plenty of fluids while using it.
EMA 4.2
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2–2.5 g of dried berries (cones) in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1–4× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 2.5–10 g a day EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2–2.5 g of dried berries (cones) in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min. EMA/HMPC/5829/2010
- 4
Drink 1–4× a day. EMA 4.2
part: berry (cone)
Tincture from a pharmacy
For: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 1–2 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 3–6 ml a day EMA 4.2
- Fluids
- Drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 1–2 ml of tincture.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 3× a day.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Drink plenty of fluids while using it.
EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: berry (cone)for: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints | 2–2.5 g of dried berries (cones) in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 1–3× a day · 2.5–6 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Fluids: drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 4.2 |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: berry (cone)for: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence | 2–2.5 g of dried berries (cones) in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 1–4× a day · 2.5–10 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: berry (cone)for: as an adjunct to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints | 1–2 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day · 3–6 ml a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % · Fluids: drink plenty of fluids while using it EMA 2 EMA 4.2 |
| Adults only EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Adults only EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- With severe kidney disease (including nephritis and pyelonephritis) EMA 4.4
- When a doctor advises reduced fluid intake (e.g. severe heart or kidney disease) EMA 4.4
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine occur, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol). EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist. GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it. GridGarden
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried berries (cones), crushed
calculated · 1 : 5Cover with alcohol
ethanol 45 %, in a glass jar
EMA 2Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
pharmacopoeia (USP)Use
3× a day · adults only
EMA 4.2Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Adults onlyEMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plantEMA 4.3
- With severe kidney disease (including nephritis and pyelonephritis)EMA 4.4
- When a doctor advises reduced fluid intake (e.g. severe heart or kidney disease)EMA 4.4
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)EMA 4.6
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).EMA 4.4
- If fever, painful urination, spasms or blood in the urine occur, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it.GridGarden
Source: EMA/HMPC monograph EMA/HMPC/241320/2021 · Steeping days and straining