Green conifer which only appears in the wild in a small area of Southern Spain and Northern Morocco. Grows to a large tree with a broad pyramidal crown, 20 - 30 m tall. Often remains somewhat smaller in nature than in culture. When young, the crown has a regular structure, older trees are somewhat untidier. The bark is light grey to grey and remains smooth for a long time. Only when older does the bark come off in plates. The young twigs are reddish brown with needles radiating in all directions, an important and distinctive feature of this species. They are perpendicular to the twig. The stiff needles are grey-green to blue-green and up to 2 cm long. The large, narrow cylindrical cones are light purplish green. Suitable for parks and large gardens. Grows on all soils provided they are well-drained and neutral to limy. Tolerates drought.