A conifer having a broadly conical crown and horizontal branches. it is somewhat pendulous (droopy) with age. It has dark brown bark that flakes into lighter brown scales. It is typically found in forests at higher elevations, forming extensive stands. Pollination is performed by the wind.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Brownish-yellow or reddish-brown when young. Turn brown or brownish-gray in its 2nd to 3rd year.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Western China
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Seeds; Shoots; Bark
Edibility
Young male catkins can be eaten raw or cooked, also used as a flavoring. The female cones are edible once cooked. After roasting, the central portion is sweet and syrupy. The inner bark can be dried and ground into a powder. Used as a thickener in soups or added to cereals. Although small, the seed can be eaten raw. Young shoot tips can make a refreshing tea.
Uses (ethnobotany)
The timber is used for construction, aircraft, railway sleepers, furniture, and wood fiber. The trunk is used for the production of resin, the roots, branches, and leaves can be used for the production of aromatic oils.