Juniper (Juniperus; Ukrainian: yalivets). Genus of evergreen trees and shrubs belonging to the cypress family. Nine out of about 70 species of juniper grow in Ukraine. The common juniper (J. communis) is widespread in the Carpathian Mountains, Polisia, and the northern forest-steppe belt. Its bluish cones are used to flavour foods and alcoholic beverages. Oil of juniper, which is obtained from the wood and leaves of several species, is used in cosmetics and medicines such as diuretics. The eastern red cedar (J. virginiana), savin (J. sabina), and Chinese juniper (J. chinensis) are cultivated as ornamental trees and their rot-resistant wood is used in furniture making.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 2 (1989).]