Largest diameter trees in the world; currently restricted to scattered groves along the western slopes of the Sierras in central CA. Wood is extremely durable. Needles are somewhat similar to J. virginnia, scalelike (1/4"), appressed or lanceolate (1/2"), and spreading. Cones are about 2" and ovoid oblong with scales peltate or wedge-shaped, persistent, and more or less serotinous.