Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis
- Native to:
- China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Myanmar, Russia, Taiwan
Source: Wikimedia | License: Public domain | Artist: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Chhe" class="extiw" title="en:User:Chhe">Chhe</a> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Chhe" class="extiw" title="en:User talk:Chhe">talk</a>)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Juniperus
- Species:
- Juniperus chinensis
- USDA Symbol:
- JUCH4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bagworm moth (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Cypress tip moth (Argyresthia cupressella), Dichomeris marginella, Periploca mimula, Periploca nigra, Semiothisa atrofasciata, Semiothisa continuata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky hillsides and mountains
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.