Poisonous, nonresinous, evergreen tree with angled trunk often twisted or irregular and with broad crown of slender, horizontal branches; sometimes shrubby. Height: 50 ft (15 m). Diameter: 2 ft (0.6 m).
Moist soil of stream banks and canyons; in understory of coniferous forests.
Extreme southeastern Alaska south along coast to central California; also southeastern British Columbia south in Rocky Mountains to central Idaho; from sea level in north to 7,000 ft (2,134 m) in south.
The strong wood has been used for archery bows, poles, canoe paddles, and small cabinetwork; however, the limited supply and small dimensions restrict use.
