Large tree with a pyramidal growth habit and dense, very regular branching. The bark is grey-brown, later deeply grooved. The young twigs are yellowish brown to orange-brown and go well with the blue-grey needles. These are stiff and spiky, 2 - 3 cm long. The long cylindrical cones are green first, turning yellowish brown when ripening. The forma (f.) glauca is the more or less ‘blue-grey needled’ form of P. pungens. Because it occurs in nature and reproduces by seeding, it is naturally quite varied. In culture, the tree is usually propagated vegetatively which means there is one clone. The tree has few demands as to soil provided it is adequately moist. A very useful conifer due to its high tolerance to dry air. Good wind tolerance.