A very large tree with a narrow pyramidal to conical crown, 40 to 50 m tall. In its native range the tree can even grow to 60 m tall. The densely branched crown has a regular shape and is often branched close to the ground. The bark is grey and exfoliates in small plates. Young twigs are light brown. The needles are tough, very glossy dark green and relatively short. On the upper side of the twig the needles lie more or less flat. On the underside they are rather more brush-like. They always point forwards. The narrow, elongated-oval cones are green to purple when ripening and later turn reddish brown to purplish brown. A strong conifer that is unmistakeable thanks to the short, very glossy dark green needles. Suitable for parks and large gardens. Grows on any moist and well-drained soil.