Creeping juniper - Juniperus horizontalis (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Creeping juniper

Also known as: Waukegan juniper, American savin

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) is a juniper shrub native to North America, particularly Canada. Creeping juniper is mainly grown as an ornamental plant for ground cover in gardens. There are over 100 cultivars of creeping juniper.

Scientific classification

Species

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

90 cm to 2.5 m

Spread

Green, Blue, Yellow

Leaf Color

2 mm to 4 mm

Flower Size

Blue, Black

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Green, Yellow, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Creeping juniper

Attributes of Creeping juniper

Growth Rate

During its active growth seasons of spring and summer, creeping juniper exhibits a moderate growth rate, characterized by gradual increases in horizontal size and density, contributing to its mat-like growth habit. The pace of growth facilitates a healthy balance of leaf production, and aids in its drought and pest resistance.

Distribution of Creeping juniper

Distribution Map

Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) is native to open, sandy prairies throughout Canada and parts of the northern USA. It is not found as an introduced species outside of this natural range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry rocky soil, sterile pastures and fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

As the name suggests, creeping juniper is an excellent choice for ground cover in a garden. It tolerates hot and dry environments well, so rock gardens and gardens with poor soil quality are good settings for it. Because it thrives even in challenging soils, it can be used for areas where soil erosion is a concern, and near structures like walls. Some gardeners like to keep it alongside other plants with blue foliage.

Symbolism

Protection, Anti-Theft Love

Interesting Facts

Creeping juniper is a low-growing, easy-care, drought tolerant ground cover. You can almost plant it and forget it. They can be used as borders, ground cover, and to prevent soil erosion. The foliage emits a pleasant fragrance and the female plants produce inconspicuous berries.

Name Story

Creeping juniper: The plant lives up to both its scientific and common names, growing up till 10 to 30 cm tall but often spreading several meters wide.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Creeping juniper, including the following common varieties :

Creeping juniper 'Blue Chip'Creeping juniper 'Golden Carpet'Creeping juniper 'Limeglow'

Toxicity

Creeping juniper's berries are mildly toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities, causing gastrointestinal issues and potentially kidney problems. Creeping juniper also poses mild toxicity risks to cats and dogs, primarily through seed consumption, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It’s essential for pet owners to monitor and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.

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Quickly Identify Creeping juniper

Low-lying, ground-covering shrub with horizontal growth, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall.

Foliage transitions from green to blue-green, creating a carpet-like appearance.

Scale-like, closely packed leaves in a four-ranked pattern, small (1/16 - 1/8 inches or 2-3 mm).

Smooth brown branchlets on slender stems, trailing growth pattern, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) in diameter.

Reddish-brown bark that peels to reveal fibrous, scaly surface, low-lying trunk with moderate thickness.

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Care Guide for Creeping juniper

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Creeping juniper thrives in rocky, cold environments and exhibits strong drought tolerance, needing watering every 1-2 weeks. As an evergreen, it maintains foliage year-round and requires well-draining soil, making it ideal for outdoor ground cover in similar conditions to its native habitat.

Fertilize: Fertilize creeping juniper annually in spring using a balanced fertilizer appropriate to its size. Adjust based on soil fertility and stop by late summer. Use gloves during application, water afterward, and keep fertilizer away from stems to prevent burn.

Pruning: Creeping juniper is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with dense, needle-like foliage. Prune in early to late winter to shape it, removing dead branches and thinning overcrowded areas for air circulation. Use sterilized tools for clean cuts to prevent disease.

Propagation: Creeping juniper is a resilient, low-growing evergreen that propagates well through semi-hardwood cuttings during active growth. Using multiple leaves enhances photosynthesis. A well-draining soil mix, consistent moisture, indirect light, rooting hormone, and a controlled environment are essential for successful rooting.

Repotting: Creeping juniper is excellent for ground coverage, benefitting from repotting every 2-3 years in spring. Use a broad, shallow container and ensure well-draining soil. Minimal aftercare is needed, but creeping juniper thrives with good sun exposure for optimal health.

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