#ashe juniper

[swurp]

Ashe Juniper

[txwitchery]

Ashe Juniper / Cedro de Montaña

Juniperus ashei

Often considered an undesirable ‘weed’ tree due to its huge water consumption, the Ashe juniper plays an important role in habitat makeup in central Texas. Oak-juniper brushland is integral to the conservation of many wild birds here, such as the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler. When carefully maintained, the tree can also make a beautiful ornamental in anyone’s garden.

Regardless of their ecological significance, the Ashe juniper is known locally as the producers of great yellow clouds of pollen every autumn that cause awful seasonal allergy symptoms for many central Texas residents. The Hill Country Mysteries blog has a great recipe for a potion that purports to help one overcome the effects of this ‘cedar fever’: ‘Cut young Ashe juniper leaves. Wash and chop to make a packed cup[ful]. Put in a pot with 1 quart cool water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Let cool. Put 30 drops of juniper-water into 8 ounces of cool water and drink it down in mid-October.’

Juniper berries are well-known remedies, but their use is generally not recommended due to the toxicity that can occur with overdose (which involves only a small amount of berries). They have diuretic qualities and have been used as a urinary antiseptic for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The needles of the tree may be simmered in water (especially with chopped lantana leaves) to make a steam bath for opening the upper respiratory tract and clearing mucous, treating the symptoms of chest and head colds.

Magically, juniper is said to guard against theft, protect from evil and animal attacks, break curses, and increase male potency. It may be burned in bundles or as incense (as it is highly resinous) to purify and exorcise a space of evil and illness. Juniper is associated with the god Sol, the astrological sign Aries, the Sun, and the element Fire.

[honeybeesandthyme]

Some personal plant correspondence:

Poverty Weed/Poverty Bush - humbleness, grounding

Thyme - courage, strength, aids in mourning and letting go (it was put in with the dead because it was believed that they would seek solace in the flowers and it would help guide them to the other side! Super cool!). It also speaks of warmth and comfort to me.

Ashe Juniper - purification (it was burned as an incense in times of disease because it was thought to purify the air), protection, pretty much like sage

[natural-reflection]

Ashe Juniper, Post Cedar, Mountain Cedar, Blueberry Juniper Berries Juniperus ashei

Vanderpool, Texas, United States, 2015 Lost Maples State Natural Area

[natural-reflection]

Ashe Juniper, Post Cedar, Mountain Cedar, Blueberry Juniper Berries Juniperus ashei

Vanderpool, Texas, United States, 2015 Lost Maples State Natural Area