Juniperus phoenicea is an evergreen shrub or a tree with a dense, conical crown; it usually grows up to 6 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 metres, with a trunk that can reach 100 - 200cm in diameter.The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials; it is also used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations. It has potential for use as a pioneer when restoring native woodland, and is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.