Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to California, east to Montana.

Habitat: Middle to high elevations in the mountains

Cones: June-July (cones)

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Wind

Erect trees to 40 m. tall, at higher elevations stunted, the leader usually drooping but sometimes erect.

Bark cracked and furrowed, dark purplish- or reddish-brown; young twigs strongly hairy with short and long hairs.

Leaves somewhat 4-sided, whitish on both surfaces, yellow-green to bluish-green, 12-20 mm. long, covering the branches on all sides, often upturned.

Staminate cones bluish, 3-4 mm. long, on short stalks near the branch tips; ovulate cones light or deep purple or brownish-purple, cylindric, 3-6 cm. long, single at the branch tips.