Does juniper grow in Montana?
Junipers are native to Montana, found from Ekalaka to Troy, Plentywood to Lima. Deer usually avoid junipers. At least three species in the genus Juniperus are native to Montana. Huge native specimens of horizontalis, a low-growing, prostrate species, are found in Eastern Montana.
Is Juniperus communis poisonous?
Certain varieties of juniper berry contain safe, low amounts of Thujone, while other varieties contain high levels and can make you very sick. The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is the variety most often used to make gin, medicines, and food dishes, as it is considered safe for human consumption.
What kind of juniper is in Montana?
Rocky Mountain juniper
Rocky Mountain juniper is a native, perennial, evergreen tree found over broad expanses of Montana and Wyoming. It is a long-lived, shallow-rooted, winter hardy and drought tolerant species with an average 20-year height of 12 to 15 feet on fertile soil with adequate precipitation.
How can you tell a Rocky Mountain juniper?
Species distinguishing characteristics: Pollen and berry-like seed cones at branch tips on separate plants. Bluish-purple berries covered with a waxy, whitish bloom. Leaves on mature plants are opposite and scale-like. Leaves on young plants are prickly, needle-like, and in whorls of 3.
What does Juniperus communis look like?
Juniperus communis, Dwarf or Common Juniper, is a species in the genus Juniperus, in the family Cupressaceae. Common Juniper has needle-like leaves in whorls of three; the leaves are green, with a single white band on the inner surface.
Are Juniperus chinensis berries edible?
Yes, juniper berries are edible. In fact, you may have tasted them before without even knowing it if you drink alcoholic beverages. Juniper berries are what gives a gin martini its unique flavoring.
What is juniper sauce?
Combine the ketchup, orange juice, vinegar, molasses, juniper berries, coriander seeds, and bay leaves in a large pot and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the gin, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.
How far apart should I plant junipers?
Space ground cover varieties at least 5 to 6 feet apart. Hedge cultivars should be spaced 2 to 4 feet apart depending on the desired appearance. Plant larger juniper cultivars away from buildings, allowing enough room for the tree to grow to its maximum mature width without interference.
When should you plant junipers?
Plant container-grown junipers any time of year. Shrubs with balled and burlaped roots are best planted in fall. Dig the planting hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times wider. Set the shrub in the hole so the soil line on the stem is even with the surrounding soil.