| PSC 2620: Woody Trees and Shrub | Course Home | Week 12 |
Juniperus sabina - Tam or Savin Juniper
Plant Viewer
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| The foliage is composed of small scale-like leaves that hug the stem tightly. | The branches are held at near a 45 degree angle. |
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| Round, berry-like fruit is blue or black. Image: H. Zell |
Plant Description
Juniperus sabina, or Savin Juniper, is a medium sized evergreen shrub growing 4-6 feet high and 5-10 feet wide. The branches of Savin Juniper are held at a distinct 45 degree angle, creating a low vase shaped form. Despite the strong structure, the plant has a somewhat ragged appearance. It performs well in our alkaline soils and prefers a hot and dry location in full sun.
The foliage is composed of scale-like leaves that are ovate in shape. They are dark green with a slightly glabrous appearance. They are arranged in overlapping opposite pairs. The young foliage is awl-shaped and sharply pointed. The foliage has a foul odor when it is crushed. The fruit is composed of berry-like scaled cones and it is blue or black in color and globose.
Landscape Use
The regular species of Juniperus sabina is not widely used, but several of the cultivars are good for use as groundcovers and foundation plantings.
Notable Cultivars
Broadmoor
This dwarf variety has a light gray foliage. It only grows 2-3 feet high and spreads up to 10 feet or more.
Calgary Carpet
Light green foliage and with a very low growing form. Spreads up to 10 feet wide. Image: North Dakato State University
