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

Needles:
             

Arrangement: 4- sided

Length: about 1 inch long

Shape: n/a

Other: bluish-green

 

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

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

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

Range: 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.

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

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