Juniperus phoenicea is a large evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 5–8 metres (16–26 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 1–2 m (3+1⁄2–6+1⁄2 ft) in diameter and a rounded or irregular crown.

The female cones are berrylike, 6–14 mm in diameter, orange-brown, occasionally with a pinkish waxy bloom, and contain 3–8 seeds; they are mature in about 18 months, and are mainly dispersed by birds.

It also grows in Egypt, the Palestine region and in western Saudi Arabia near the Red Sea, and also on Madeira and the Canary Islands.

The species prefers a hot, arid climate with a lot of light, and grows on rocky or sandy ground.

[8] Although extracts of juniper berries or wood tar have been used as an aroma – particularly for cosmetics – the safety of using ointments manufactured from J. phoenicea and related species has not been adequately demonstrated, according to a 2001 review.

"[5] Juniper wood is used for small manufactured objects and inlay works in carpentry, and in building construction in Africa where it is mainly used for fuel and producing charcoal.