Found across large areas of Southern and Eastern Europe, Juniperus communis is a small tree that grows wild on poor, calcareous soils, forming slow-growing shrubs that rarely exceed four metres in height. The berries are commonly used as a spice in Europe and are also used as the basis for making gin, the famous alcoholic beverage. The berries contain an essential oil, which is extracted through steam distillation. Essential oil can also be obtained from juniper needles and branches.
Origin