***Common Juniper***
(Juniperus communis)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, Culinary Uses, and Essential Oil.
• Ideal Soil: Tolerant of most conditions.
• Parts Used: Berries and oil.
• Medicinal: Digestion, kidney inflammation, and rheumatism. Not suitable for pregnant women.
Juniper is an evergreen, coniferous shrub that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is a bitter, aromatic herb with antiseptic properties.
Berries are added to game dishes, pickles, and pork. Oil distilled from the fruit is used to flavor gin.
Both male and female plants are required for fruiting. Green at first, berries ripen to a bruised blue.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Sow seed in pots in fall. Grow seedlings in nursery rows outdoors for 1-2 years before permanent planting.
Growth Habit: Shrub; height to 20 feet [6 m].
Flowers: Spring; yellow or green blossoms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Shake branches to harvest berries; use fresh for oil distillation, or dry.
***Sweet Bay***
(Laurus nobilis)
• Full Sun, Pot Suitable, and Culinary Uses.
• Ideal Soil: Rich and well-drained
• Parts Used: Leaves
• Medicinal: Sprains, indigestion, flatulence, colic, and rheumatism.
• Culinary: In sauces, soups, and stews. Other names are Bay or True Laurel.
Bay is the only laurel that is not poisonous. Bay leaf garlands represent victory. Use leaves for flavor in soups and stews, or add to potpourri.
Leathery leaves hold their flavor well. Add whole at the beginning of a recipe, remove before serving.
Sweet Bay produces inedible berries. Dried leaves are used in kitchen cupboards to repel pests.
This evergreen tree grows well in pots and is easily trained as a standard.
GROWING GUIDELINES:
Take fresh green cuttings in fall. Keep soil moist; germination may take 3-9 months. Sow seed outdoors in warm climates; germination may take 6-12 months.
Growth Habit: Evergreen tree; height to 50 feet [15 m].
Flowers: Spring; yellowish blooms.
HARVESTING AND STORING:
Use leaves fresh or dried. Store in airtight containers.
