Twisting Conifer

This average-sized shrub grows up to 3 feet (91.4 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 112 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has several stocky, slanted stems covered in thick, cracked, white with black speckled bark, and the wood inside is pale brown-grey.

The branches are short and slender that and are covered with small bunches of giant, needle-like, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are white and vivid purple, sturdy and rough.

In early summer it produces lots of giant, hazel blossoms with slender, pointed petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They detach easily and have a strong scent that smells like roses.

In late winter triangular fruits ripen. The rubbery hazel skin is thin and spicy and salty, and the slightly crunchy sky blue flesh is sour and dry. The pale green seed is large and sits at the top of the fruit.