The cade juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), also known as cade or oxycedrus, is a small tree or shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean coastal region, where it is one of the characteristic plants
of the garrigue and maquis. The cones, which are edible when fresh, are brown to orange in color. Two subspecies are commonly distinguished:
- subsp.oxycedrus, with an upright habit, very narrow leaves, and small fruits;
- subsp.macrocarpa, which is bushier and has larger fruits.
The Spanish juniper is the most common of the Mediterranean junipers and is found throughout the region. It thrives in dry, rocky areas, on limestone or acidic soils, where it is often found growing alongside holm oaks and kermes oaks.
A tree that can grow up to 14 meters tall, though it is generally much smaller. The bark is gray or reddish and rather rough. The foliage is evergreen and needle-like. These needles, with fine, sharp tips, are arranged in whorls of three, in six rows. Their upper surface bears two white stripes, which distinguishes them from the common juniper (needles with a single white stripe).
Cade oil is extracted from it; once used for its healing properties, it remains highly valued as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is frequently added to various products such as shampoos. It serves as a topical adjunct treatment for psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also used to treat horses’ hooves (it is an ingredient in farrier’s ointment). It is highly effective at repelling rodents, as well as acting as an insect repellent. However, it does not smell very good, and one should avoid using it “undiluted” on the skin. Recorder makers use it to make the cap for the mouthpiece of the recorder. It is also an excellent moth repellent.
As far as I’m concerned, working with this wood is particularly interesting because, in addition to its very pleasant scent, it allows you to create objects with subtle color variations that range from reddish-pink to dark. It’s a soft wood that takes a beautiful finish.
