General Description | Dwarf conifer that has stiff needles and grey bark with branches that ascend on an upward angle. The needles are held in fascicles of two and are a deep green. |
ID Characteristic | Cones are ovoid in shape and purple-blue when young. Needles may persist for 5-6 years and are prone to desiccation if left unprotected for the winter. Branches grow on an upward almost 45 ° angle. |
Cultivation | A hardy species that prefers slightly acidic soil conditions ranging from sandy to slight clay. Withstands drought and salt and will thrive in full sun. Prefers a well drained soil. |
Pests | Salt tolerant and resistant to diplodia tip blight. |
Notable Specimens | The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada. |
Bark/Stem Description | The bark is grey and fractured in appearance on older growth but yellow-grey in colour on new growth. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Small terminal bud, light blue to grey in colour, round in shape, buds are 1 cm in length. |
Leaf Description | Two needles in a fascicle, with stiff forward pointing needles. The needles measure 6-9 cm in length and are glossy green in colour. |
Flower Description | Small and pistillate, inconspicuous, yellow-green in colour; 2.5 cm in length. |
Fruit Description | When young the cones are blue-purple in colour but turn brown as they mature. Cones are 2.5-3.5 cm in length and ovoid in shape. |
Colour Description | Bark is grey and fractured on mature growth and peels off in plates. |
Texture Description | Sharp and stiff foliage with dentate stomatal lines on all surfaces. Smooth in texture and light edges can be felt along the needle. |