Deciduous conifer with a straight trunk and regular manner of growth with side branches growing horizontally. First the crown is narrow, but later becomes broadly pyramidal. It is a fast grower that can reach heights of 30 m or more. Width approx. 15 m. The bark is dark reddish brown, scaly and up to 10 cm thick. Young twigs are bare, yellowish and hang down sharply. The needles grow in bundles of 30 - 40 together on short shoots. They are a fresh green colour particularly in the spring and colour to golden yellow late in the autumn. The cones contain 40 - 50 seed scales that do not have a curved edge, as opposed to L. kaempferi. Requires a free-standing site in the sun. Naturally occurring in the Alps and now used often in forestry areas.