This species, endemic to Japan, was first documented in 1860 by the prolific Victorian nurseryman John Gould Veitch (1839–1870) when he found it growing on the slopes of Mount Fuji.

Native to central and northern Honshu, Japan, on mountain slopes up to sub-alpine conditions where temperatures can reach -40°C. In north-west Europe it is most likely seen as a specimen tree in arboreta and private collections.

Monoecious.

Medium-sized, to 25m, conical. When mature, the strongly fluted stem base and indentations below large branches are key features. Bark green-grey, smooth, fissuring with age, with prominent resin blisters. Foliage has intensely silver undersides, visible from afar. Needles dark glossy green above. Female cones blue-purple then brown, upright, resinous, 7cm, high up and quickly disintegrating.

Requires a moist climate. Deeply cold-tolerant yet prone to damage from late spring frosts. Prefers acid soils. Tolerant of pollution.

No notable associations where introduced.

No specific threats.

A very attractive ornamental specimen, yet surprisingly uncommon; most likely due to its size, which necessitates a large garden.