A tree 30 to 50 ft high in this country, over 100 ft high in the wild; young shoots quite glabrous, covered with blue-white bloom, slender, very brittle after they are one year old, the bark peeling the third year; terminal bud cylindrical, 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 in. long, not resinous, scales fringed. Leaves in pairs or in threes, mostly falling the second year, 11⁄2 to 4 in. long, slender, dull green; leaf-sheath 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in. long, persistent. Cones 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 in. long, 3⁄4 to 1 in. wide at the base before expanding; conical, with a short, distinct stalk.
Native of the eastern United States from New York State southwards; cultivated in this country since early in the 18th century. It is but little known, and has, indeed, no conspicuous qualities to recommend it for garden or park. It is distinct in its blue-white young shoots, occasionally three-leaved clusters, and brittle shoots covered with peeling bark after the second year. In N. America it is a very valuable timber tree.