The juvenile leaves of a juniper are needlelike.
Mature leaves are awl-shaped, spreading, and arranged in pairs or in whorls of three.
Some species have small, scalelike leaves, often bearing an oil gland, which are pressed closely to the rounded or four-angled brachlets. The reddish-brown or bluish cones are fleshy and berrylike and often have a grayish, waxy covering. Distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Used as a folk remedy for various kidney and bladder infections, the berries are also said to have an appetite-stimulating effect, and are sometimes used for carminative action for indigestion and flatulence. The berries themselves are eaten for the treatment of rheumatism.