Vigorous, medium-size tree with an odd growth habit. When young the crown is almost shrub-like and somewhat irregular. Only after a few years does the tree become columnar. The young twigs are reddish brown and the mature bark is grey-green to grey-brown. The bark remains smooth for a long time and becomes deeply grooved in rectangular plates. The blue-green needles are soft and in clusters of five. During ripening, the brown cones are erect but when they are fully grown they hang down. An easy tree that is suitable for many types of soil. Also very hardy making it widely useful as a solitary, in parks or wide avenues. Very resistant to wind and not sensitive to air pollution.