Produces a very large, impressive tree with striking bark. Can be used as a low, branched tree or pruned to have a crown. When growing freely on its own, the branches are full down to the base. In its youth, the tree still grows pyramidally, but when mature it becomes broader, corymbose, to round. The blackish grey bark has deep grooves and is particularly decorative, especially in mature trees. Branches are bare and yellowish brown. The needles grow in bundles of 2 together and are a striking dark green, stiff and somewhat pointy. The almost symmetrical cones are light brown and usually hang in pairs or singly. Empty cones fall off in the spring. Suitable for many types of soil. Even grows in dry, calcareous soil. Tolerates shaping well, so this tree can be used in smaller spaces as well. Resistant to sea wind and highly resistant to air pollution.