The leaves are broad, needle-like, 3–9 millimetres (1⁄8–3⁄8 in) long, arranged in six ranks in alternating whorls of three, and often strongly a glaucous blue-green in color.

It is largely dioecious, with pollen and seed cones produced on separate plants, but occasionally monoecious.

[2] The Latin specific epithet squamata means small, scale-like leaves.

[2][3][4][1] Juniperus squamata is widely grown as an ornamental plant in Europe and North America, valued for its bluish foliage and compact habit.

The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:[9]