Monoecious trees, occasionally shrubs. Branchlets usually not flattened (arranged in several planes); ultimate shoots terete or 4-angled. Juvenile lvs needle-like, subulate, similar lvs often on main axes (terminal shoots). Adult lvs scale-like, opposite, decussate, often with a prominent, whitish resinous gland in middle of dorsal side. Cones solitary, terminal on short shoots towards branchlet ends. ♂ strobili (cones) oblong or ovoid, yellow; stamens numerous. Mature ♀ cones usually ± globose, usually > 10 mm diam., ripening in second year, generally persistent. Scales 6-14, not whorled, peltate with mucronate boss or umbo in middle, separating to release seeds; ovules and seeds 6-c. 20 on each scale. Seeds narrowly winged; cotyledons 3-4.