This hybrid group is now recognised by many leading conifer nurseries and some taxonomists but it needs critical revision. As alleged hybrids between j. chinensis and j. sabina they give off, to a greater or lesser extent, the characteristic 'savin' smell of j. sabina when the leaves are crushed. Unfortunately a similar smell is emitted by some cultivars of j. virginiana; note that the allocation of some cultivars to particular species is contentious.

For all practical purposes this group is treated as comprising the spreading 'Pfitzer' cultivars formerly placed in J. chinensis.

Van Melle (1947); Welch (1979, 1991).

PFITZERIANA GROUP - SPREADING BUSHES WITH UPRIGHT BRANCHES ARCHING AT THE TIPS; LEAVES MOSTLY SEMI-JUVENILE WITH THE BASE STEM-CLASPING AND TIP SPREADING (OCC. ADULT OR JUVENILE)

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Cupressaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Juniperus ×media)