Communis: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora and Flora of Alberta leading to this species. 

	leaves in whorls of 3; NOT [leaves opposite]
	leaves spreading; NOT [leaves appressed]
	leaves 5-15 mm long; NOT [leaves 1-1.5 mm long]
	leaves linear, awl-shaped, sharp-pointed; NOT [leaves scale-like]

Juniperus: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora and Flora of Alberta leading to this genus.

	shrubs or small trees; NOT [medium to large trees]
	seeds in a small, bluish, berry-like cone; NOT [seeds in a small dry cone]
	branchlets NOT flattened

Cupressaceae: Answers to key questions in Flora of Alberta leading to this family. 

	leaves opposite or whorled; NOT [leaves alternate or clustered]
	leaves often overlapping
	leaves scale-like or awl-shaped; NOT [leaves linear or needle-shaped]
	cones many-seeded; NOT [cones reduced to a single ovule]
	cones fleshy or woody; NOT [single seed surrounded by a fleshy aril]