Trees to 10 m, often shrubby; crown globose, sparse. Bark smooth. Branchlets decussate, mostly 1--1.5 mm diam. Leaves often with inconspicuous, embedded, abaxial gland that does not produce drop of resin, not glaucous. Pollen cones 3--4 ´ 2 mm; pollen sacs 3--5. Seed cones globose, mostly (2--)2.5--3.5 cm, brown, not glaucous; scales mostly 4--5 pairs, smooth, umbos flat or to 5 mm. Seeds mostly 5--6 mm, dark brown, not glaucous.

Chaparral; of conservation concern; 450--1000 m; Calif.; Mexico in Baja California.

The typical variety is endemic to Guadalupe Island, Baja California, Mexico.