The genus Juniperus contains 75 accepted species of coniferous evergreen shrubs and trees in the Cupressaceae family. They have a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from arctic to tropical habitats. They can be tall trees or columnar, spreading or prostrate shrubs with aromatic scale-like or needle-like leaves and small spherical cones. Widely cultivated as garden and parkland ornamentals, these species are often bred for their variety of colours, shapes and forms.