The medicinal properties of juniper and its ability to make the air cleaner and healthier have been noticed by humans for a long time. And the life span of this plant, exceeding the mark of 500 years, made juniper in the eyes of people almost immortal and enveloped in a haze of superstitions and signs. It was believed, for example, that his branches could drive away not only evil spirits and diseases, but death itself. Find out where this amazing and magical juniper grows, you can from our article.
In what forests does juniper grow?
In fact, juniper is an evergreen plant and, depending on the variety, it can have the appearance of a tree or shrub. The range of its growth is huge and covers almost the entire northern hemisphere, from the polar zone to the tropical mountains. Most often, juniper can be found in coniferous or light deciduous forests, but in forest-steppe, as well as on stony mountain slopes, it is not uncommon. Quite often it grows in deserted low-water areas, because its powerful root system is able to extract water from almost any depth. The only thing that this plant does not like is excess moisture.
Where does juniper grow in Russia?
On the territory of Russia traditionally grows about one third of all existing species of juniper. Each species has its own small area: low stems can be found on the slopes of mountains, and tall trees form true thickets in southern low-water areas. In general, the juniper zone in Russia begins near the border with Finland, spreading then to the mouth of the Yenisei, and from it advances to the pine forests of the Chelyabinsk and Omsk regions. The Southern Urals and the Kama coast are rich in juniper.
Where does juniper grow in the Crimea?
In the Crimea, juniper chose for itself the southern slopes of the Main Ridge, where nature created for him almost ideal conditions. The tops of the Crimean mountains were occupied by the Cossack juniper, on the southern slopes of the Main ridge, a tall juniper reigns, and its northern slopes are given to the power of a juniper of stinking.