Foliage Notes:
Blue (Bluish evergreen foliage; both needle-like and scale-like); Purple (Foliage takes on a purplish cast in the winter)
Soil Notes:
Widely adapted to soils, except those that are wet
Diagnostic Characteristics:
Adult leaves (0.06" long) are scale-like, rhombic, very stiff, and typically 4-ranked in opposite pairs. Adult abaxial leaf surface has a paler margin, and a small glandular depression. Juvenile growth always produces awl-like leaves (0.3-0.5"). Awl leaves are spreading in whorls of 3 or opposite, with green midrib and 2 glaucous bands above, ending in a spiny point. New growth is moderately drooping. Branches come out at 45 degree angles.
