Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; British Columbia to California, east to Montana and Wyoming.

Habitat: Generally near timberline, preferring south-facing slopes.

Cones: June-July

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Review Group 1 in Washington (WANHP)

Pollination: Wind

Usually a dwarf and contorted alpine tree 5-15 m. tall.

Bark thin with whitish scales that are brownish underneath; young twigs pubescent.

Leaves in bundles of 5, yellow-green, 4-7 cm. long, somewhat curved, on spur branches that are ultimately deciduous with the needles.

Staminate cones numerous, red, crowded at the base of shoots of the current season; ovulate cones ovoid, deep red to purple, 5-8 cm. long, single or in small clusters toward the tip of the branches of the current season, tending to remain closed, rarely falling from the tree intact; scales thickened, thinner only toward the upturned point.