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Glite Dictionary
Juniperus communis depressa

Juniperus communis depressa

9.9
A low juniper that spreads across the ground to make a thick cover
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : junípero común enano
  • Unlike upright junipers, Juniperus communis depressa forms a dense, mat-like cover close to the ground.

Examples

  • The spreading branches of Juniperus communis depressa help prevent soil erosion on slopes.

  • Many gardeners use Juniperus communis depressa as ground cover in rocky or sandy soils.

  • The Juniperus communis depressa thrives in rocky soils.

  • Many gardeners prefer Juniperus communis depressa for ground cover.

  • Many gardeners use Juniperus communis depressa as ground cover in rocky or sandy soils.

  • The spreading branches of Juniperus communis depressa help prevent soil erosion on slopes.

  • Unlike upright junipers, Juniperus communis depressa forms a dense, mat-like cover close to the ground.

Synonyms

dwarf juniper
vsJuniperus communis depressa
6.3

A low spreading shrub with evergreen leaves often used as ground cover

is a native prostrate form that spreads and hugs the ground
common juniper
vsJuniperus communis depressa
3.7

A small evergreen tree or shrub with needle leaves and blue, berry-like cones used to flavor gin

is a specific low-growing variety that stays close to the ground
Juniperus communis
vsJuniperus communis depressa
  • Specialized
7.4

An evergreen bush or small tree with needle leaves and blue-black berries used to flavor gin

is a prostrate native variety rather than the typical shrub or small tree

Surface Forms

Juniperus communis depressa singular
Juniperus communis depressas plural

Morphology

Juniperus + communis + depressa

This is a botanical Latin name composed of a genus (Juniperus) and Latin epithets (communis = common; depressa = depressed/low‑growing). The meaning is compositional in principle — ‘a low‑growing form of the common juniper’ — but the epithets are not ordinary English words and require knowledge of botanical/Latin vocabulary, so an average B1 learner knowing only everyday English would likely not infer the sense without specialized knowledge.

Etymology

Juniperus communis depressa comes from Latin words that describe the shrub: Juniperus means 'juniper', communis means 'common', and depressa means 'pressed down' or low. Picture a juniper pushed flat so its branches spread like a green carpet on the ground, and that's why the name refers to a low, ground-hugging plant used as 'ground cover'.