Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Needle; evergreen
Shape
Linear needle with zero lobes
Margin
Entire
Arrangement
Alternate with a twisted petiole base
Venation
Parallel with a single prominent midrib
Key Features
Flat, linear, dark green needles with twisted petioles arranged spirally along the twig
Description
A slow-growing evergreen conifer forming a small tree or large shrub with thin, scaly, purplish-brown bark and fleshy red arils surrounding the seeds
Habitat
Understory of coniferous forests in moist, well-draining soils and shady conditions
Native Range
Native to western North America from Alaska to California and Montana
Identified on 10/16/2026