common juniper, Juniperus communis

These are the female cones of common juniper. Flower structures of conifers are called cones even though in this case they mature into berries. Male and female appear on separate plants. This species has the widest native range of any woody plant. It occurs around the world in the northern hemisphere. The wood and berries have been useful in traditional cultures, The berries are mostly used dried for flavoring. The leaves have antifungal fungus that has FDA approval for current use. With us these sprawling shrubs grow everywhere except AR, FL, HI, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TN, and TX. Jackson Co MI, 4/18/21. Cypress family, Cupressaceae.