Description
Large, upright, often multi-stemmed evergreen tree, conifer (H 15-20 m, W 4-5 m). Crown broadly conical, dense. Bark red-brown, later grey. Needles densely arranged, scalelike, broad-lanceolate (0,3-0,5 cm), leathery, glossy, bright to dark green, with two prominent, longitudinal white bands beneath. Flowers separately arranged in male and female inflorescence, on the same plant; male inflorescence cylindrical (0,7 cm), yellow-brown, female flowers tiny, brown-red. Flowering period: April-May. Fruits cones, scale-like (3-5 pairs of seed scales), round to ovate (1-1,5 cm), dark brown; seeds winged. Undemanding, long-lived plant. Grows best in deep, always moderately moist, well-drained soils, in half shady places with higher air-humidity. Easily withstands winter cold.