Common juniper

Capable of living for up to 400 years, this shrub has a prostrate growing habit and can even creep horizontally when it reaches its height limit. Lower down, it adopts a straight, regal bearing. Its very sharp needles are arranged in groups of three. It is easily recognisable from its purple and fleshy berries, borne only by the female plants. They are used as aromatics due to their digestive virtues.