Large, to 70 meters tall (sometimes 80-90 meters); crown of young trees pyramidal with a stiffly erect leader; branches spreading to drooping; buds sharply pointed; bark ultimately very thick, fluted, ridged, rough and dark brown.
Leaves: needles flat, yellowish-green. 2-3 cm long, with pointed tips, 1 groove on upper surface and 2 white bands of stomata on lower surface, spirally arranged, leave small, flat scar on twig upon falling; buds sharp pointed.
Cones: Pollen cones small, reddish-brown; young seed cones hanging, oval, 5-10 cm long, green at flowering, turning reddish-brown to grey; scales papery; bracts prominently 3 forked, extend beyond scales.