A juniper is a type of evergreen shrub or small tree with needle-like leaves and small berry-like cones. Junipers grow wild across much of North America, Europe, and Asia, thriving in rocky soil and harsh conditions where many other plants struggle. Their “berries” (actually tiny cones) are dark blue or purple and have a sharp, piney smell.

These tough little trees have been useful to humans for thousands of years. Some Native American groups used juniper wood for fence posts and fuel because it resists rot, and they made tea from the berries for medicine. People also use juniper berries as a spice in cooking, especially with game meats like venison.

If you've ever hiked in dry, mountainous areas and smelled a fresh, cedar-like scent, you were probably near junipers. Some junipers grow low to the ground like shrubs, while others can reach 40 feet tall. The wood itself is beautiful, with swirling patterns of red and cream, making it popular for carving and woodworking projects.