Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Common Juniper is the most widely occurring  conifer in the world, of which the shrub variety is the most common type of juniper in Finland. Juniper trees can, however, grow into pillar-shaped versions that can be up to ten metres tall. These columnar junipers are protected. Although juniper thrives in nearly every habitat in the country, it can be found most often in sunny, open places near old settlements. Juniper is a slow-growing conifer with a long life span: the oldest juniper trees in Finland are more than 1,000 years old. Juniper seeds are found in cones that resemble berries. The seeds are used for medicinal purposes and as a spice.