FLOWERS.—April-May; monoecious; the staminate subglobose, about 1/2 inch long, composed of many spirally arranged, dark red anthers; the pistillate oblong-cylindrical, composed of broad, purple scales (subtended by rounded, toothed, purple bracts) spirally arranged upon a central axis, about 1/2 inch long.
FRUIT.—Autumn of first season, but persistent on the branch for many years; pendent, ovoid, short-stalked cones, about 1 inch long; seeds about 1/8 inch long, with pale brown wings 1/2 inch long.
WINTER-BUDS.—Ovoid, acute, light red-brown, puberulous, 1/8 inch long.
BARK.—Twigs at first green and rusty-pubescent, becoming dull red-brown and rusty-pubescent; thin, gray-brown on the trunk, separating into thin, appressed scales.
WOOD.—Light, soft, weak, pale yellow-white, with thin, pure white sapwood.
DISTRIBUTION.—Occurs sparingly in southern Michigan; more abundant in the northern portions.
HABITAT.—Cold, sphagnous bogs and swamps; shores of lakes.
NOTES.—Short-lived. Undesirable for ornamental planting. Growing to its largest size in the far north.