Ashe Juniper – The Tree with a Thousand Uses
Introducing one of our most recognizable trees that makes up the hill country landscape. Ashe Juniper.
Texans pay the most attention to ashe juniper during late winter, when it releases thick clouds of pollen to torment people with cedar allergies. We love to hate our juniper, so we overlook a beneficial native tree. The uniquely rich and well-draining soil that builds up as juniper leaves fall and decompose is ideal for several native plants, some of which tend to occur almost exclusively in association with it, including:
- Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana)
- Cedar Rosette Grass (Dichanthelium pedicillatum)
- Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis)
- American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus)
- White Limestone Honeysuckle (Lonicera albiflora)
- Lindheimer’s Garrya (Garrya ovata var. lindheimeri)
- Orange Zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida)
The berries are highly palatable to many species of birds and small mammals, while the bark is used for nesting material by the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
This species was used extensively by native peoples pre- and post-contact, with juniper wood recovered from Hinds Cave in Val Verde County dating to over 9,000 years ago. From the excellent wood for carving or fires, to the edible “berries” and bark for weaving, Ashe Juniper was used for medicinal teas and decoctions. It was also used as a purifying smoke incense. Even the seeds inside the berries were drilled and used for beading and decoration. Known as ghost beads, they were thought to represent a connection between the earth, trees, animals and humans. The jewelry is purported to bring peace, harmony and safety to the wearer.
The tree with a thousand uses. The Osage used the twigs as incense and considered juniper a tree of life
“It is always green, is durable, pleasing to the eye, the gift of God.”
— Gilmore 1913:321
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