First studied by Scottish botanist, David Douglas, in the 1820's, this conifer is widely distributed throughout western North America from the interior lake country of British Columbia to the mountains of Mexico.  Found in the central Rockies, the hardy "blue" strain is widely used as a Christmas tree in the Northeast.  Its lush, blue-green foliage, with needles about one inch in length, is very attractive.  Its sturdy branching and outstanding needle retention make this evergreen a holiday favorite.

This magnificent specimen has a pyramid shape and a straight trunk. The needles are bluish green, occasionally yellowish green. It prefers sun or light shade, moist, well drained, acid or neutral soil, but is found in its native habit on rocky mountain slopes. Matures at 40'-70', 12'-20' spread in the home landscape, over 100' in a natural setting.