A quickly growing conifer with a narrow, vertical manner of growth, and a more horizontal branching pattern later. However, the lower branches will remain full if the tree has ample free space around it. Width 4.5 - 7 m. The pattern of growth is similar to P. cembra, but the needles of P. peuce are clearly different: less stiff and a greyish green. The smooth bark is greyish brown and later scales flake off. Young twigs are first shiny green, and later turn greyish brown. The greyish green, fairly thick needles grow in bundles of 5 together at the end of the twigs. These bundles are radially distributed over the twigs. The cylindrical cones spread out or hang down and are 8 - 15 cm long and 2 - 3 cm wide. They grow singly or in groups. Requires a sunny site and is not susceptible to woolly balsam aphid.