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Order Pinales, Family Cupressaceae, Genus Juniperus
This beautiful understory shrub is a" needle leaf Juniper" and is dioecious, meaning that its male and female fruits grow on separate plants. It has global distributiion in the Northern Hemisphere, and the greatest range of any woody plant. It is quite high in volatile oils and should be discouraged near homes and outbuildings.
Male fruits are tiny and produce pollen that is dispersed by the wind.
The female cones are berry-like and are used as a culinary flavoring aid, especially in gin.