This tree is fast-growing, but not very long-lived by pine standards (to 200 years). It reaches heights of 18–30 m  with a trunk diameter of 0.6–0.8 m. The leaves are needle-like, very slender, in clusters of two or three, and 18–24 cm  long. The cones are glossy red-brown, 5–15 cm in length, with a short, thick prickle on each scale. It is known for its conical shape and unusually high strength, especially for a pine.