This is a large tree reaching heights between 100 to 120 ft. and 1 1/2 to 2 ft.

 Length: about 1 inch long

 Shape: N/A

 Other: bluish-green

The bark is thin, reddish-brown in color and sometimes with a purple tint. It becomes scaly when mature.

The cones are 2 to 3″ long, thin, and light brown in color with flexible scales.

This species has a distinctive cone, reddish brown bark, and has four sided needles.

This is a western species ranging from around 1,500-12,000 ft elevation in northern Rockies to 10,000-12,000 ft in the southern Rockies.

This species is tolerant and occurs on rich, loamy soils with lots of moisture. It has slow growth because of short summers.

The tree is commercially important for lumber, pulpwood, and used in making music instruments. It also provides wildlife with habitat and thermal cover.