Chinese Juniper

Juniperus chinensis

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Myanmar, Russia, Taiwan

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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
Bloom Months:
apr,may
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
Fragrant:
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:
Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–120 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds exhibit double dormancy; warm stratification followed by cold stratification improves germination. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI