The Fern pine is a dense and fine-textured plant that is commonly grown as a single trunk tree attaining sizes up to 40-60 ft. tall and 25-40 ft. wide. While it does not produce colorful flowers, it is appreciated for its graceful character as a result of its soft texture and pale evergreen foliage color. It is also planted and maintained as a large hedge and screen plant to separate properties and hide wall surfaces where it easily adapts with pruning and shearing. Female plants can produce large numbers of fleshy cones as they mature that are problematic around pavement; male plants are often preferred as a result.

Fern pines are highly adaptable for use as a tree or a hedge in many garden and landscape situations throughout the Inland Empire. You will commonly see them grown as street trees and as shade trees in parks and residential settings. Be sure to plant in spaces that are large enough to accommodate their long-term size. The best growth is achieved when planted in deep, well-draining soils with moderate amounts of regular moisture throughout the year.