Creeping Juniper

(Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 9" - 86"
• High Temp. 57°F - 105°F
• Low Temp. -28°F - 49°F
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Summary

Juniperus horizontalis, also known as Creeping Juniper, is an evergreen subshrub that is indigenous to the forests and bogs of Northern U.S. and Canada. This plant is true to its name, growing only 10–30 centimeters (3+7⁄8–11+3⁄4 in) tall but often spreading several meters wide. Its low, spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, and it is often used in this capacity in ornamental gardens. Over 100 different cultivars of this species have been selected for cultivation, each valued for its strictly prostrate growth habit.

Creeping Juniper thrives in full sun and requires a moderate amount of water during establishment, and low water after that. It prefers soils with medium drainage. After establishment, it is also known for its ability to withstand drought, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. It is also resistant to many common garden pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Width: 5-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky, sandy and gravel soils, dry places, riverbanks, near rivers and beaches, on slopes, in spruce forests, pine forests and mixed forests

Other Names

Common Names: Waukegan Juniper , Creeping-Cedar , Creeping Savin Juniper , Prostrate Juniper , Shrubby Red-Cedar , American Savin , Shrubby Red Cedar , Kriech-Wacholder , Genévrier Horizontal , Savinier

Scientific Names: Juniperus horizontalis , Juniperus prostrata , Juniperus sabina var. procumbens , Juniperus sabina var. humilis , Juniperus horizontalis f. alpina , Juniperus sabina var. prostrata , Juniperus horizontalis var. douglasii , Juniperus horizontalis var. glomerata , Juniperus sabina f. prostrata , Juniperus horizontalis subsp. hamptonensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Juniperus horizontalis Moench