Juniperus sabina
Savin Juniper
Cupressaceae
ExpandHabitat
- native to Europe and western parts of Asia
- hardy to zone 3
Habit and Form
- an evergreen shrub
- a wide-spreading habit with a somewhat vase shape
- 4' to 6' tall with a greater spread
- medium texture
- slow growth rate
Summer Foliage
- evergreen, scale-like leaves
- opposite leaf arrangement
- leaves are 4-ranked
- blunt apex
- blue-green
- older branches which have sharp pointed awl-like leaves
- rank odor emitted when leaves are crushed
Autumn Foliage
- evergreen, no fall color
Flowers
- dioecious
- no ornamental value
Fruit
- globose, berry-like cones
- found on recurved stakes
- brown
- 4 to 6 scales
Bark
- hard to see generally covered with needles
Culture
- easily transplanted
- prefers moist, well-drained soil, but very adaptable
- full sun
- pH adaptable
- once established little maintence required
- urban tolerant
Landscape Use
- groundcover
- hedges
- screens
- foundation planting
- mass plantings
Liabilities
- Juniper blight
- not may pest problems
ID Features
- juvenile scale-shaped needles
- 4-ranked needles
- rank odor emitted when leaves are crushed
Propagation
- by cuttings
Cultivars/Varieties
'Arcadia' - This plant is hardy to USDA zone 3 and features green foliage on a layered, spreading plant 18" tall and to 5' wide. It appears resistant to Juniper blight.
'Blue Forest' - Unique for its upturned, ascending branches that resemble a miniature "forest", this plant has blue foliage and grows to 18" tall and 3' wide. It appears resistant to Juniper blight, but may suffer from other fungal ailments.
'Broadmoor' - A promising dwarf, spreading selection, this plant has green foliage with a bluish cast. It tends to mound in the center, growing 3' tall and 10' wide. It appears resistant to Juniper blight.
'Buffalo' - This form has bright green, feathery foliage on a wide-spreading plant 1' tall and 8' wide. It is hardy to USDA zone 3.
'Monna' (Calgary Carpet) - This low, spreading form has green foliage with a soft texture and growth 9" tall and 6' wide.
'Pepin' - This is a more upright form with growth to 3' tall and a spread of 5'. The foliage color is a good blue-green.
var. tamariscifolia - This is a natural low-growing form with short needles and crowded leaves that lend a fine, feathery texture. Many selections are derived from this form. 'New Blue' is a form with better blue foliage.