Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S.Watson

Trees to 46m; trunk to 0.
 diam., mostly straight and evenly tapering, or at or above timberline reduced to shrub form by wind shear; crown usually conic at maturity. Bark gray-to red-brown, not evidently furrowed, separating into loose plates. Branches mostly horizontally spreading, not ascending at tip. Leaves (4--)5--
 ´ 1--2(--3)mm, yellow-green, apex narrowly acute to short-acuminate. Seed cones maturing in 2 years, then shedding seeds or variously serotinous, long-persistent, strongly asymmetric, mostly recurved, seldom whorled, mostly in 2s or solitary, mid and lower apophyses mostly much domed.

A fire-successional species, growing in high montane forests, often to the timberline; at elevations up to 3,500 metres.

The succulent cambium layer between the bark and wood is eaten. It is usually eaten fresh but can be dried.

Can be grown by cuttings or seedlings. Seeds needs soaking.