Fruits and Medicinal Plants

Juniperus recurva: Himalayan weeping juniper is native to, not surprisingly, the Himalayas, and from northern Pakistan east to western Yunnan in southwestern China. This is a slow-growing conifer that will eventually make a fair-sized tree, depending on conditions. Typically, in most western gardens it is found growing at about 20 feet, though in the wilds it can reach 60. It has a broadly conical shape with attractive foliage held on slim pendant branches producing an attractive, graceful weep. This foliage is bright green in summer turning bronze in winter and has beautiful orange-brown bark which lights-up in the evening sun. But it is the elegant form that is so impressive. It is quite distinctive from the run of the mill junipers that are found in such numbers at large garden centers. This Juniper warrants a place of honor in any garden. Himalayan weeping juniper is supposedly tender but they have been known to withstand lows to about 10° F. But not to worry, if winters are a problem this tree adapts well to container culture in full sun.