Savin Juniper

Juniperus sabina (Cupressaceae) is a low, dense evergreen shrub native to the mountains of southern Europe, Siberia, the Caucasus, and Asia Minor. It typically grows as a spreading shrub to 10 to 15 feet tall with a 13-foot spread, though the wild species can be ragged without selection. Both needle-type and scale-type leaves are present: needles are outspread (about 4 mm) with a conspicuous midrib, while scale leaves are opposite (about 1 mm) with a resin gland. When crushed, the foliage releases a strong, unpleasant odor.

Savin juniper performs well in full sun on well-drained to dry soils and adapts to limestone substrates (pH 4.5 to 6.0). The entire plant is poisonous and has historically been associated with livestock toxicity. Cultivars provide better garden form than the species: 'Tamariscifolia' (tam juniper, 3 feet, mounding, with documented Phomopsis resistance) and 'Buffalo' are among the most common. Like other junipers, it is subject to rusts, tip blights, and scale insects. Hardy in Zones 3a to 8b.