A large conifer to 200 feet tall with a trunk to 20 feet in diameter, covered in reddish bark, and a conical crown with spreading branches. The leaves are small, needle-like and dark green.
It is native to southern Japan as well as southern China where it is found in a variety of forests from near sea level to over 8200 feet. In cultivation, it is popular as a forestry and ornamental tree in Japan and China as well as elsewhere around the world. It is very easy to grow and will do well in USDA Zones 7 and above.