Why the juniper cade is precious for nature

If in the east of France, we prefer the common juniper for its aromatic blue bays which flavor the sauerkraut, near the Mediterranean, it is the prosperous cadent juniper, covered with pungent needles and brown berries. Because, here, it is the limestone soils which he likes, that of the garrigues and the maquis full of sun.

This requires preserving spaces open enough for the shrub to flourish. Pastoral and silvicultural activities naturally contribute to it: goats and sheep graze on young oaks plants which, otherwise, would take the place and bring the forest back in just a few years.

These “cade thickets”, with evergreen foliage, play many precious roles for local biodiversity. Thus, many birds, like the red partridge and the small mammals find refuge there. The wildlife appreciates this environment to nest. As for the Pie-Grèche Ércheur, it uses the thorns of the shrub to hunt and fix its prey. Birds and mammals also feed on these durable berries throughout winter.

Even the mosses, lichens and other mushrooms find their account there, taking advantage of the shadow of this brush and the humidity it preserves to multiply. An invaluable shelter therefore, on these hot lands, to rest and rebuild its strength. Even the Prophet Elijah, in the Bible, had understood: fleeing the violence of Queen Jézabel, he took refuge in the desert where the shadow of a juniper brought him his comfort (1 R 19, 3-4).