An unusual shrub found in rocky areas, especially on the Burren and in West Donegal, and often at woodland edges.

One of our few native evergreens, juniper is generally found on limestone. It will thrive in other soils and could be introduced to areas outside its natural distribution, however, this may not be considered desirable.

In good conditions it may grow to be small tree size.
Like holly, juniper is evergreen and bears flowers of different sexes on different plants. The bushes are small and usually low growing, the fruit black, and it can be grown from seed.

The berries are used commercially to flavour gin.