Conical shrub 2-3 m tall to a small erect tree up to 10 m tall. Prickly Juniper has needle-like leaves in whorls of three; the leaves are green, 5-20 mm long and 1-2 mm broad, could be easily distinguished from Juniperus communis because of a double white stomatal band (split by a green midrib) on the inner surface. It is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The seed cones are berry-like and are eaten by birds that contribute to seed dispersion. It withstands very poor conditions: windy locations, considerably summer heat and drought. Mainly growing as companions of Quercus Ilex on the poorest locations such as rock crevices and exposed sites. It develops an interesting bark with age that may reach 600 years.
