This tree is native to South Eastern Europe. This coniferous tree is often grown as an ornamental garden tree and is also often seen in cemeteries on South Africa.

In South Africa this tree is mostly found in the Southern Cape coastal areas.

It has male flowers and female woody cones and may produce pollen late in winter. Its pollen season is from July to October. This tree produces large amounts of pollen which can cause problems for allergy sufferers.