Juniper/ˈdʒuːnɪpər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Natural Description Juniper describes a plant; helpful when discussing nature or gardening. The garden competition has a prize for the most beautifully trimmed juniper. Pro Tip 2/3Botanical Term Juniper is a botanical term, used in scientific and gardening contexts. Junipers belong to the genus Juniperus in the cypress family. Pro Tip 3/3Visual Features Juniper plants have sharp needles instead of leaves, which are evergreen. The sharp needles of a juniper can be painful if you touch them barehanded.