A large tree that naturally often grows multi-stem. Eventually the crown becomes broad ovoid, often flat-topped. The young twigs are grey-green and bear straight to slightly curved, sharply pointed needles. These are always in threes and up to 10 cm long. When crushed, the needles give off a turpentine-like odour. The most striking, utterly spectacular ornamental value of this species, however, is created by the older bark. As with a planetree, it peels off in plates revealing grey, light brown and brown-red layers beneath the dark grey-green bark. The oval-elongated cones are pale green and turn light brown when ripening. Picea bungeana originally comes from China where it can be found at temples and other holy or spiritual locations. A beautiful park tree that has few demands as to soil, provided it is fertile enough and well drained. The tree needs to be protected against harsh winter cold, especially when young.