[1][2][3][4] It is sometimes considered a variety or subspecies of Juniperus occidentalis, which is also known as western juniper.

[5][4] Juniperus grandis is a medium-sized tree, growing to 12–26 metres (39–85 feet) tall.

It has a stout trunk with red-brown bark, growing up to 3 m (10 ft) in diameter.

Based on dendrochronological evidence from the 2,675-year-old Scofield Juniper, Sierra junipers are the fourth longest-lived tree species after the Great Basin bristlecone pine, alerce and giant sequoia.

[1][2] It is found in exposed, dry, rocky slopes, flats, pinyon–juniper woodland, and temperate coniferous forest habitats, including the Sierra Nevada upper montane forest and Sierra Nevada subalpine zone ecoregions.