Juniperus formosana Seeds | Formosan Juniper
LATIN NAME: Juniperus formosana
COMMON NAME: Formosan Juniper
Plant Profile
Juniperus formosana, better known as Formosan Juniper, is a slender, evergreen tree in the cypress family. Plant steadily develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. Choose full sun and deep, fertile ground for this plant. Given room and time, it reaches roughly 5-10 metres. It is the sort of plant that quietly justifies the space it occupies.
Science & Biotechnology
Juniperus formosana sits in the cypress family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Species has also been studied in botany, since it is a member of cypress family, and its classification and its relationships have been examined, while study of junipers and their many species has been of continuing interest. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Formosan Juniper works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, the Formosan juniper is a hardy tree of the eastern Asian mountains. Its small cones feed birds, and its dense, bluish-green crown gives shelter, while it is a valued presence in forests and scrub of the Fujian, the Taiwan and mountains of the region. For a grower, the Formosan juniper is an easy and rewarding tree, and for a gardener it brings fine, bluish-green foliage and a neat, hardy form. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Juniper berries flavor gin and game and are a classical European diuretic for urinary teas, official in several herbals; the wood’s fragrant oils scent pencils, chests and incense.
Growing from Seed
Starting Formosan Juniper from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Formosan Juniper repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Formosan Juniper: