It is the only broadleaf evergreen tree in the Intermountain West, offering an interestting winter contrast to the standard landscape conifer. It achieves a rather gnarly and quite intriguing shape with age. Seeds have long, corkscrew, feather-like plumes that cover the tree, creating an almost fuzzy appearance from a distance. The leaves are distinctively aromatic, evergreen and curled under.

Edible, but bitter-sweet, red to black berries can be used for jellies or winemaking. Attractive to butterflies when in bloom and to birds when in fruit. Sun to part shade, Moderate to low moisture.

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