Juniper - Juniperus communis

A slow-growing coniferous tree or shrub, characterized by its dark fleshy fruits and needles in whorls of three.  Only the juvenile leaves are erect or sharp-pointed needles; the adult foliage has appressed scale-like leaves.  

Other species in Cupressaceae have appressed scale-like leaves, and some Cupressus cultivars may have similar juvenile foliage.  Many cultivars and other Juniper species planted in parks and gardens can make identification difficult.

Fleshy berry-like fruits (not woody cones); juvenile leaves are erect needles, usually in whorls of three. 

Photographs of plant with juvenile foliage and berries.

Found occurring naturally on heaths, chalk downland frequently in scrub. It is also sometimes planted in country parks and gardens.

In flower during May. 

Coniferous perennial.  Male and female flowers are born on separate plants. The fruit is a small berry like cone that takes two or three years to ripen.

Occasional. It occurs naturally in scattered locations across Britain. 

Not likely to occur naturally in Leicestershire and Rutland where it is usually noted as a result of planting. It was not recorded in the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire.