This tree features a tall, conical shape with dense, blue-green foliage that provides a striking visual contrast in urban landscapes. Its bark is reddish-brown and tends to peel in thin strips, adding an interesting texture. The tree is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Small, round cones appear throughout the year, adding to its unique appearance. It can serve as a windbreak or privacy screen, thanks to its dense growth habit. This tree is also relatively fast-growing, reaching its full height in just a few years.

Native Range: Arizona

Horticultural use: Specimen or Screen

Schoolyard Use: This tree has a dense, conical shape and is covered in small, scale-like leaves that stay green year-round. Its foliage can introduce lessons on evergreen species and drought tolerance. The tree produces small, woody cones that can be used to discuss seed dispersal and plant reproduction. Its bark is fibrous and can be peeled off in thin strips, providing material for tactile exploration and discussions on tree growth and protection.

Tree Shape: Columnar or Conical
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Maximum Tree Height: 40 feet
Canopy Width: 20feet
Growth Rate: ~12-36in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Whorled and Simple
Leaf Shape: Scale-like
Leaf Color: Bluish Green, Silver or Gray Green
Fall Color: No
Reproduction: Has separate male and female reproductive parts on the same tree (monoecious)
Cone Size and Color: Medium Brown Cone
Pollen time: Spring
Bark Color: Reddish Brown
Bark Texture: Rough

Recommended Planting Area: 4′ to 7′
Water Use Rating: Low
Sunset Climate Zone: 7 – 24
Soil Texture: Loam or Sand
Soil pH: Acidic to Acidic
Schoolyard Trees: Yes
Shade Tolerance: No

Root Damage Potential: Low
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Leaf Blight
Utility Friendly: No