Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper is a host plant to 34 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org) The berry-like cones and their seeds are eaten by some birds, including Wild Turkey, White-winged Crossbill, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, and Starling. Prairie Voles cache the berry-like cones and galls of Creeping Juniper in their dens for later eating (illinoiswildflower.org). This plant is often used as a ground cover.

Photo credit: F.D. Richards