A very slow-growing, conical to columnar conifer up to 15' high 12' wide, with grey bark, and leathery, linear, flattened leaves, which smell of lemon balm if crushed, and are yellow-green, turning bright gold in winter. Best grown in rich, medium moisture, slightly acidic, sandy/gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Established trees tolerate some soil dryness, but best performance usually comes with moist soils. Trees generally grow poorly in heavy clay soils. This tree thrives in areas with long winters followed by cool summer climates,