usually 25-40 m tall; dense whorls of flattened Sprays, overall appearance is pyramidal and dense. | ||
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General
Description:
A tree usually 25-40 m tall, with dense whorls of flattened Sprays and the trunks
5-10 dm in diameter; the overall appearance is pyramidal and dense. The branches
are close together, the lower ones drooping slightly and the upper ones point
upward slightly. The sharply pointed leaves are strongly incurved, 2-3 cm long,
dull bluish-green, often with a silvery bloom. Pistillate cones pale greenish-purple,
oblong; seeds 4-6 mm long.
Distribution:
In Idaho, it is found along the Wyoming border. It is found naturally, in patchy
distribution in Eastern Idaho, Western Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and
New Mexico.
Habitat:
This species grows at elevations of 5750 to 11,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains
in moister areas along stream and meadows in deep soils. It is commonly found
in mixed stands with Engelmann Spruce, Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine and sometimes
with Ponderosa Pine. However, this species is widely cultivated and is one of
the most common conifers in cultivation.
Other:
This species is widely cultivated and is one of the most common conifers in
cultivation. Although of limited use for wildlife, its seeds provide some food
for squirrels, rodents, and some birds. The light, pale brown wood is lightweight,
soft, somewhat brittle and knotty does not have much commercial value.