Buds are small and ovoid or conical in outline. Buds may or may not be resinous. Leaves are spirally arranged. Needles are usually four-sided with stomatic lines on all sides.
Flowers are monoecious.
Fruit is a pendant cone with numerous, persistent scales. They spread from the twig in all directions. Needles are borne at nearly right angles to the stem. Foliage is blue to green in color and varies by seedling or variety. Brownish-yellow bud scales curve outward and are often rolled at the apex.