Slow-growing decorative tree that remains narrow when young but later grows asymmetrically and broadly pyramidal. Has a semi-closed, irregular crown with lower branches hanging down. The trunk is purplish grey and smooth but darkens and flakes later. The twigs are bare, sometimes with fine hairs and greenish brown. The very twisted, bluish green needles grow in bundles of 5. They are mainly grouped at the end of the twigs, producing brush-like tops on the twigs. Hanging cones appear even on young specimens and sometimes grow singly, sometimes in groups. Tolerates sea wind, is suitable for planting in industrial areas, and requires a sunny site. There are many cultivars of P. parviflora that are cultivated, but 'Glauca', with bluer needles, is the most commonly used.