Most junipers offer at least some level of drought resistance, making them a good choice in more arid climates. But precautions should be taken in areas prone to wildfires. Junipers grow best in sunny spots with good soil drainage. Many people pick common juniper (Juniperus communis) as one of the best junipers for landscaping, but other varieties can be just as beautiful. Many species are dioecious, meaning plants produce male or female parts but not both. It is generally the female plants that produce colorful berries, which are actually modified cones. The berry/cones of common juniper are used to flavor gin. Juniper fruits can also be used as a spice in cooking, and they are very attractive to many birds and other wildlife. Here are 12 types of juniper shrubs and trees that might suit your landscape.

Native Area: Central and northern Mexico, Southwestern U.S. USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 9 Height: Up to 60 feet, more typically 20 to 40 feet tall Sun Exposure: Full sun

This species has also been classified as Juniperus cedrosiana, Juniperus pyriformis, or Juniperus cerrosianus. Another common name for this shrub is desert white cedar.

Native Area: Southwest U.S. USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10 Height: 10 to 15 feet; occasionally 35 feet or more Sun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Japan and ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Height: Varies greatly depending on variety; many are ground covers and shrubsSun Exposure: Full sun

J. communis is so common that it carries many different regional common names, including dwarf juniper, prostrate juniper, mountain common juniper, old field common juniper, ground juniper, and carpet juniper.

Native Area: North America, Europe, northern Asia, JapanUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Height: Varies by cultivar; the shrub usually matures to around 15 feet tall; it can sometimes reach 30 feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Northern U.S., Canada, AlaskaUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Height: 1 to 2 feet Sun Exposure: Full sun

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Native Area: Texas, Mexico, GuatemalaUSDA Growing Zones: 8b to 11Height: 35 to 40 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Eastern North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9Height: 30 to 40 feet tall; occasionally to 65 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

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Native Area: Eastern MediterraneanUSDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Height: 20 to 65 feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun

ES3N / Getty Images This tree is now quite rare over much of its native territory in Mexico, but it is very common in New Mexico and other portions of the U.S. Southwest. This plant is rarely planted as a landscape specimen, but the wood is often used for fence posts and other purposes.

Native Area: Southwestern U.S., MexicoUSDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Height: Usually 6 to 20 feet; sometimes tallerSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Rocky Mountain regions of western North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Height: Cultivated varieties usually 5 to 15 feet; may grow to 60 feet in the wildSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Western U.S.USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Height: 10 to 20 feet tall; occasionally 25 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Mountains of California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, WashingtonUSDA Zones: 5 to 8Height: 15 to 30 feet tallSun Exposure: Full sun