About Juniperus oxycedrus L.
Juniperus oxycedrus L. varies greatly in shape, ranging from a spreading shrub 2–3 metres (6+1⁄2–10 feet) tall to a small erect tree 10–15 m (33–49 ft) tall. It produces needle-like leaves arranged in whorls of three. The leaves are green, 5–20 millimetres (1⁄4–3⁄4 inch) long and 1–2 mm (1⁄32–3⁄32 in) broad, with a double white stomatal band split by a green midrib on the inner surface. This species is usually dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Its seed cones are berry-like, starting green and ripening over 18 months to orange-red, often with a variable pink waxy coating. The seed cones are spherical, 7–12 mm (1⁄4–1⁄2 in) in diameter, with three or six fused scales arranged in 1–2 whorls; three of the scales each hold a single seed. Seeds are dispersed when birds eat the cones: birds digest the fleshy scales and excrete the hard, intact seeds in their droppings. The pollen cones are yellow, 2–3 mm (1⁄16–1⁄8 in) long, and they fall shortly after releasing their pollen in late winter or early spring. Cade oil is the essential oil obtained from this plant’s wood via destructive distillation. It is a dark aromatic oil with a strong smoky scent, used in some cosmetics, traditional skin treatment preparations, and incense. In rare cases, cade oil has caused severe allergic reactions in infants.
